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. To wait on as an esquire
or attendant in public; to attend. Title conferring no rights or
privileges but simply an intangible sort of dignity and
theoretically membership in the landed gentry of one who had no
other title. In the United States the title commonly appended
after the name of an attorney. In English law a title of dignity
next above gentleman and below knight. Title also given to
barristers at law and others. Abbreviated: Esq. 1)A member of
the English gentry who ranks just below a knight, 2)A candidate
for knighthood who serves as an attendant to a knight, and
carries his arms, 3)Someone who holds an office from the crown
such as a Justice of the Peace, a sheriff, or a judge, 4)An
attorney who has graduated from law school and passed the
bar.(modern use), 5)Landed proprietor,