Esquire

Esquier. [L. Fr. eseuier. from escu, a shield; L. Lat. scutifer, armi" ger,] A knight's attendant, who waited on him in time of war, and bore his shield, or armor. Spelman, voc. Armiger, A name or title of dignity in English law next above gentleman, and below knight. Also, a title of office g^iven to sheriffs, Serjeants and barristers at law, justices of the peace, and others.

1 BL Com. 406. 3 Chitt. BL Com. 28, note. 3 Steph. Com. 15, note.

Tomlins, Esquires are first mentioned in the statutes 1 Ric. IL St. 2, c.

1, and 16 Ric. II, c. 4. 3 Beeves' Hist. Eng. Law, 172.

See Armiger,