Esquire
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
In English law
A title of dignity next above gentleman, and below knight Also a title of office given to sheriffs, serjeants, and barristers at law, justices of the peace, and others.
1 BL Comin. 406; 3 Steph. Comm. 15, note; Tomlins.
On the use of this term in American law, particularly as applied to justices of the peace and other inferior judicial officers, see Call v. Foresman, 5 Watts (Pa.) 331; Christian v. Ashley County, 24 Ark. 151; Com. v. Vance, 15 Serg. & R. (Pat) 37.