A squire was originally a person 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 recognised 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 |
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In the 21st century the whole idea of a squire (and esquire as an elevated social status) is rather quaint and out of date and is increasingly losing its significance.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.".