Squire/esquire

[Audiendus]

squire/esquire

Two closely related words, interchangeable in some cases. Originally a young attendant to a knight; a shield/armour bearer. Later a country gentleman, a landowner. Finally, 'Esquire' (Esq) became a general courtesy title, equivalent to 'Mr' in the UK; this use is now old-fashioned.

[bbeeton]

But in the US, "Esq." has become an indication that the individual so designated is an attorney, and can be found attached even to a woman's name.