squire

Meanings

Noun

• A shield-bearer or armor-bearer who attended a knight.
• A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See esquire.
• A male attendant on a great personage.
• A devoted attendant or follower of a lady; a beau.
• A ruler; a carpenter's square; a measure.

Verb

• To attend as a squire.
• To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection.

Origin

• From Middle English esquire, from Old French escuier, from Latin scūtārius, from scūtum.
• From Middle English squire, borrowed from Middle French esquierre, or from Old French esquire, another form of esquarre. Cognate with French équerre. square.