esquire

• Titre de respect historique, désignant à l'origine un jeune noble ou un écuyer de chevalier, puis utilisé comme formule de politesse envers les gentilshommes, notamment dans un contexte juridique.

A historical title of respect, originally referring to a young nobleman or a knight's attendant, later used as a courtesy title for gentlemen, especially in legal contexts.

1. Title of respectC1formalbritish

   A title used after a man's surname, especially in formal correspondence, indicating a gentleman of high social standing.

   Écuyer

   • The letter was addressed to John Smith, Esq.
   • He signed his name as 'William Brown, Esquire' on the legal document.
   • In the UK, the title 'Esquire' is often used for lawyers.

   Synonymesgentlemansquire

2. Historical rankC2formalbritish

   A young nobleman who served as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.

   Écuyer (rang historique)

   • The esquire trained under the knight for several years.
   • In medieval times, an esquire would carry the knight's shield.
   • He was promoted from page to esquire at the age of fourteen.

   Synonymesarmigersquire