Esquire vs. Squire: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Esquire is a title used traditionally for men of higher social rank or in modern times as an informal title for lawyers, while squire refers to a young nobleman serving as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.
Key Differences
Historically, esquire denoted a rank above a gentleman but below a knight. Squire was used for a young nobleman as a knight's attendant. Both terms have medieval origins but have evolved differently in modern times.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Today, esquire is often used as a courtesy title for lawyers in the United States. In contrast, squire is rarely used in a contemporary context, mostly appearing in historical or literary works.
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Nov 30, 2023
Esquire traditionally indicated a person of social stature without a higher title. Squire specifically referred to a knight-in-training, denoting a specific role in the feudal system.
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The use of esquire varies, being more common in American legal contexts. Squire has a more universal historical usage but is now largely archaic.
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The term esquire carried no specific duties historically, unlike squire, which entailed specific responsibilities in the service of a knight.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Historical Meaning
A rank below knight, above gentleman
A young nobleman serving as a knight's attendant
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Modern Usage
Informal title for lawyers, especially in the U.S.
Rarely used, mostly in historical/literary contexts
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Social Status
Denoted a person of stature, often without nobility
Specific to knight-in-training in the feudal system
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Regional Variations
More common in American English
Universally historical or archaic
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Associated Duties
Historically no specific duties, now a professional title
Specific duties serving and learning from a knight
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Esquire and Squire Definitions
Esquire
Used as a courtesy title in formal address
The letter was addressed to James Smith, Esquire.
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Squire
A young nobleman serving as an attendant to a knight
The squire assisted the knight in his duties.
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Esquire
A title for lawyers in the U.S.
John Doe, Esquire, was the leading attorney.
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Squire
In medieval times, a personal attendant to a knight
The squire was responsible for maintaining the knight's armor.
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Esquire
A title indicating a certain level of education or accomplishment
After passing the bar, he could use 'Esquire' after his name.
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Squire
Used in literature to depict a young assistant or attendant
In the novel, the squire was a brave and loyal companion.
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Esquire
In old British tradition, a title for landed gentry
As an esquire, he owned significant tracts of land.
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Squire
An archaic term for an assistant in knightly duties
He served as a squire before being knighted.
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Esquire
A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight.
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Oct 19, 2023
Esquire
Abbr. Esq. Used as an honorific usually in its abbreviated form, especially after the name of an attorney or a consular officer
Jane Doe, Esq.
John Doe, Esq.
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Squire
An English country gentleman, especially the chief landowner in a district.
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Esquire
In medieval times, a candidate for knighthood who served a knight as an attendant and a shield bearer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Squire
A young nobleman attendant upon a knight and ranked next below a knight in feudal hierarchy.
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Squire
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See esquire.
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Oct 19, 2023
Esquire
(archaic) A squire; a youth who in the hopes of becoming a knight attended upon a knight
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Esquire
(heraldry) A bearing somewhat resembling a gyron, but extending across the field so that the point touches the opposite edge of the escutcheon.
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Esquire
Originally, a shield-bearer or armor-bearer, an attendant on a knight; in modern times, a title of dignity next in degree below knight and above gentleman; also, a title of office and courtesy; - often shortened to squire.
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Oct 19, 2023
Squire
(transitive) To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection.
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Esquire
(Middle Ages) an attendant and shield bearer to a knight; a candidate for knighthood
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Esquire
A title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
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Esquire
Historically, a man of higher social status below a knight
He was recognized as an esquire in his community.
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Squire
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See Esquire.
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Oct 19, 2023
Squire
A male attendant on a great personage; also (Colloq.), a devoted attendant or follower of a lady; a beau.
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Squire
To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection; as, to squire a lady.
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Squire
Historically, a knight-in-training
As a squire, he learned the arts of chivalry and combat.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "Squire" be used in modern contexts?
Rarely, it's mostly historical or literary.
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Can women be referred to as "Esquire"?
Yes, in the legal context, it's gender-neutral.
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Are there modern equivalents to a squire?
Not directly, but internships in various fields can be a loose modern parallel.
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Did squires receive formal education?
Their training was mostly practical, in combat and chivalry.
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Were squires from noble families?
Generally, yes, they came from noble or well-off families.
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Is "Esquire" a legal title?
Yes, in modern times, particularly in the U.S., for attorneys.
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Does "Esquire" imply nobility?
Historically, yes, but not in its modern usage.
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What age were squires typically?
Squires were usually young men, often teenagers.
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Is "Esquire" a formal legal qualification?
No, it's a courtesy title, not a qualification.
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Did squires participate in battles?
Yes, they often assisted knights in warfare.
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Is "Esquire" used outside the legal field?
Rarely in modern times, it's primarily associated with law.
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Can "Esquire" be used in formal address?
Yes, especially in written correspondence.
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How is "Esquire" used in a legal context?
As a title after the name of a lawyer or attorney.
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Does "Esquire" denote a specific level of lawyer?
No, it's used broadly for licensed attorneys.
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How long did someone remain a squire?
Until they were knighted, typically in their late teens or early twenties.
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Were squires paid for their service?
Not usually, as their training and upkeep were considered compensation.
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Can "Esquire" be self-assigned?
Typically, it's used after passing the bar exam or receiving legal accreditation.
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Is the role of a squire still relevant?
No, it's a historical term with no modern equivalent.
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What duties did a squire have?
They maintained armor, horses, and assisted in various knightly duties.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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