Esquire vs. Squire — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Esquire" often denotes a title for attorneys or gentlemen, while "squire" historically refers to a landowner or a knight's apprentice.
Difference Between Esquire and Squire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Socially, if someone is addressed as "esquire" in a non-legal setting, it suggests a sense of respect or formality. In contrast, addressing someone as "squire," especially in modern times, may come across as either archaic or colloquial, depending on the context.
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Oct 02, 2023
Beyond the professional context, "esquire" can sometimes be a general courtesy title, though this usage is rarer. "Squire" in some contexts, particularly in the UK, can also mean a principal landowner in a village or rural area.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
In modern times, "esquire" has lost much of its original nobility connotation and primarily stands as a professional title for lawyers. Conversely, "squire" has a more antique tone, evoking images of medieval Europe and young men serving knights.
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Oct 02, 2023
"Esquire" is commonly abbreviated as "Esq." and used as an honorific title, specifically following the name of someone in the United States who practices law. On the other hand, "squire" historically was a term in feudal systems, referring to young men training to be knights.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
The etymology of "esquire" is derived from the Old French word "escuier," meaning "shield bearer." It once referred to a rank just below knight. "Squire," too, comes from "escuier," reflecting their shared origin but diverging meanings over time.
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Oct 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Modern Use
Mostly in legal profession
Rare, sometimes refers to rural landowner
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Oct 02, 2023
Tone
Formal and professional
Either archaic or colloquial depending on the context
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Oct 02, 2023
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Definitions
Esquire
Historically, a rank just below knight.
He was bestowed the title of esquire for his service.
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Oct 02, 2023
Squire
Historically, a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight.
The squire carried the knight's armor.
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Oct 02, 2023
Squire
Starting in the Middle Ages, a squire was the shield- or armour-bearer of a knight.Use of the term evolved over time. Initially, a squire was a knight's apprentice.
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Jul 02, 2019
Esquire
Used in formal correspondence.
Address the letter to Dr. Allen, Esquire.
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Oct 02, 2023
Squire
A man of high social standing who owns and lives on an estate in a rural area, especially the chief landowner in such an area
The squire of Radbourne Hall
Squire Trelawny
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Jul 02, 2019
Esquire
A title appended to lawyers.
John Doe, Esquire represented the client.
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Oct 02, 2023
Squire
A young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.
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Jul 02, 2019
Esquire
A title for a gentleman.
James Patterson, Esquire, was invited to the banquet.
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Oct 02, 2023
Esquire
Esquire (, US also ; abbreviated Esq.) is usually a courtesy title. In the United Kingdom, Esquire historically was a title of respect accorded to men of higher social rank, particularly members of the landed gentry above the rank of gentleman and below the rank of knight.
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Jul 02, 2019
Squire
(of a man) accompany or escort (a woman)
She was squired around Rome by a reporter
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Esquire
A polite title appended to a man's name when no other title is used, typically in the address of a letter or other documents
J. C. Pearson Esquire
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Jul 02, 2019
Esquire
A young nobleman who, in training for knighthood, acted as an attendant to a knight.
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Squire
An English country gentleman, especially the chief landowner in a district.
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Jul 02, 2019
Esquire
A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight.
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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
A young nobleman attendant upon a knight and ranked next below a knight in feudal hierarchy.
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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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Squire
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See esquire.
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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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Squire
(transitive) To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection.
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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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Jul 02, 2019
Esquire
(Middle Ages) an attendant and shield bearer to a knight; a candidate for knighthood
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Squire
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See Esquire.
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Jul 02, 2019
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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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
A principal landowner in a village or rural area.
The squire of the town held considerable influence.
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Oct 02, 2023
Squire
A title of respect or courtesy in some rural areas.
Morning, squire! Lovely weather we're having.
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Squire
A term for a male escort or companion.
She arrived at the event with her squire by her side.
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FAQs
Can "squire" refer to someone other than a knight's apprentice?
Yes, especially in the UK, it can mean a principal landowner in a rural area.
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Oct 02, 2023
What does "esquire" commonly denote in the U.S.?
In the U.S., "esquire" is often a title for attorneys.
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Oct 02, 2023
How do British and American uses of "squire" differ?
In the UK, "squire" can sometimes mean a principal landowner, whereas in the U.S., it's mostly an archaic term.
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Oct 02, 2023
Is "esquire" specific to the legal profession?
Mostly in modern times, but historically it had broader social connotations.
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Oct 02, 2023
Can "esquire" be used for both men and women attorneys?
Yes, both male and female attorneys can use the title "Esquire" or "Esq."
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Oct 02, 2023
Can "esquire" be used as a general courtesy title?
Yes, but this usage is rarer compared to its association with lawyers.
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Oct 02, 2023
Does "esquire" have a hierarchy in nobility?
Historically, "esquire" denoted a rank just below knight.
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Oct 02, 2023
How is "squire" historically significant?
Historically, a "squire" referred to a knight's apprentice or a young nobleman.
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Oct 02, 2023
Are the words "esquire" and "squire" related in origin?
Yes, both come from the Old French "escuier," meaning "shield bearer."
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Oct 02, 2023
How might one use "squire" in a colloquial context?
"Squire" can sometimes be a friendly form of address, like "Morning, squire!"
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Oct 02, 2023
In what setting would one address someone as "esquire"?
Primarily in legal settings or formal correspondence.
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Oct 02, 2023
Is "squire" ever used in modern titles or roles?
Outside of historical or literary contexts, it's rare but can be used to denote a rural landowner.
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Oct 02, 2023
Can "squire" be used to denote a male companion?
Yes, "squire" can also refer to a male escort or companion.
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Oct 02, 2023
Would it be common to hear "squire" in modern conversation?
Generally, it's rare and might sound archaic or colloquial based on the context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
