Squire
In feudal times a squire was a man-at-arms in the service of a knight, often as his apprentice.
Squire in various European languages
The English word squire comes from the Old French escuier (modern French écuyer), itself derived from the Late Latin scutarius - "shield bearer." The Classical Latin equivalent was armiger 'arms bearer'.
A squire was originally a young man who aspired to the rank of knighthood and who, as part of his development to that end, served an existing knight as his attendant or shield carrier (hence the name). However, during the middle ages the rank of esquire came to be recognized in its own right and, once knighthood ceased to be conferred by any but the monarch, it was no longer to be assumed that any esquire would in due course progress to be a knight. The connection between a squire and any particular knight also ceased to exist, as did any shield carrying duties.
An Esquire or Squire then became nothing more than the holder of a certain social rank or status.
| Language | Title |
|---|---|
| Dutch | schildknaap, jonker |
| French | écuyer |
| German | Knappe, Junker |
| Greek | πυργοδεσπώτης |
| Polish | giermek |
| Portuguese | escudeiro |
| Spanish | escudero |
| Latin | scutarius, armiger (see above) |
| Russian | сквайр, эсквайр |
Present status (England)
In an English village in 19th century, 20th century, and possibly 21st century the squire was the person of pre-eminent social position in the community. The squire more often than not lived at the village manor house, and owned an estate in or around the village. If the squire was patron of the parish church—and he often was—he would choose the rector.
The position of squire was never formally conferred or held: it depended and depends solely upon acceptance as such by the local population. Such acceptance is today likely to be dependent more upon a recognition of good manners and breeding than upon the extent of current land ownership, which, while relevant, is nowadays likely to be considerably smaller than in former years. The position is today anachronistic, but in some communities it remains.
The term Esquire comes from squire, and can be used in place of 'Mr.' when addressing any person to whom social respect is being afforded. Traditionally, it was a senior title to that of "Mr." but this distinction is no longer recognised in England and both are used more or less indiscriminately. To use the term when referring to oneself, however, would be considered an affectation.
In the 21st century the whole idea of a squire (and esquire as an elevated social status) is rather quaint and out of date and is increasingly losing its significance.
In the United States, attorneys of both genders often style themselves "Esq."
Squires in literature
The most famous squire in world literature is probably the babbling Sancho Panza. In English literature, people usually remember Squire Trelawney. Trelawney, one of the many literary creations of Robert Louis Stevenson, is a Scots squire who protects young Jim Hawkins from the murderous pirates who are seeking his treasure map, and helps him engage a crew to sail to Treasure Island.