A title of respect added after a man's name, or historically, a young nobleman training to be a knight.
From Old French esquier (shield-bearer), from Latin scutarius (shield-bearer). Esquire was the rank below knight, then became a courtesy title for gentlemen.
An esquire was literally someone who carried another man's shield in battle—the title survived as a honorific even after shields disappeared, which is why it feels both prestigious and mysteriously old-fashioned.
Historically a male-only title denoting social status and education. Women were excluded from this designation, limiting professional and social authority.
Use as honorific neutrally for all genders, or prefer gender-neutral alternatives like 'Ms./Mr.' or name alone.
["attorney","counselor","professional","name without title"]
Women fought for access to professional titles and credentials; recognition of this history validates their earned authority.
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