Plural of squire; young nobles training to become knights, or country gentlemen who owned land and had local authority.
From Old French 'esquier' meaning shield-carrier, derived from Latin 'scutarius.' Originally meant a young man serving a knight.
Squires had to master not just combat but also courtesy and songs—being a knight wasn't just physical training, it was a whole education system like modern college!
Squire historically denoted a male attendant or landowner; women were excluded from formal squirehood and the status/property rights attached to the role.
Use squire for historical male feudal figures; consider knight's attendant or noble servant for gender-neutral contexts.
["attendant","servant","companion"]
Women performed squire-like duties without title or legal recognition; some women disguised themselves as male squires to access education and mobility.
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