ESQUIR

1 definition found

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  ESQUIRE. A title applied by courtesy to officers of almost every 
  description, to members of the bar, and others. No one is entitled to it by 
  law, and, therefore, it confers, no distinction in law. 
       2. In England, it is a title next above that of a gentleman, and below 
  a knight. Camden reckons up four kinds of esquires, particularly regarded by 
  the heralds: 1. The eldest sons of knights and their eldest sons, in 


  perpetual succession. 2. The eldest sons of the younger sons of peers, and 
  their eldest sons in like perpetual succession. 3. Esquires created by the 
  king's letters patent, or other investiture, and their eldest sons. 4. 
  Esquires by virtue of their office, as justices of the peace, and others who 
  bear any office of trust under the crown.