Esquire is a title passed through the ages

Great Britain is a country of established customs, words and laws that are incomprehensible and unknown to representatives of other nations. One of these remnants-words of the past is the term Esquire. This concept is found even in the early Middle Ages, after many transformations it is used even in our time, although it is applied in a sense very far from the original one.

Origin of the word

The term "Esquire" or "squire" is found in written sources of the early 17th century. The word is of Anglo-Norman origin. Esquire is a squire, a guardian, a trusted person. This title, according to the classification of the herald master Sir William Camden, can be enjoyed by such people as:

The eldest sons of the knights. The title was given to these nobles for an unlimited period;

- younger sons of titled lords and nobles of the upper class. The title was given for life;

- the person to whom the title of Esquire was granted under the Royal Charter. To such persons could belong natives of different classes. They were awarded the title for their services to the king and the state. The Royal Charter granted the right to its owners to be called knights, to have their own coat of arms and to transfer the title of Esquire by inheritance;

- persons enjoying the confidence of the Crown: judges, lawyers, government officials. They had the right to be called Esquires until they left the assigned post.

Two hundred years later, others were added to the basic meanings of this word. The right to be called Esquirees belonged mainly to gentry - small landed non-titular nobles. According to the classification of Charles Boutell, to be named in this way have the right also:

- foreign noblemen;

- lawyers who have the right to speak in the higher courts, - barristers;

- Some army ranks, the rank is not lower than the captain.

Esq. Of the XIX century

In the nineteenth century, the estate of the gentry portrayed the image of the ideal contemporary knight: a highly moral fair man of the noble class, who is always attentive to the ladies, observes the rules and defeats opponents in a fair fight. The newly formed word "gentleman" soon merged with the old, but half-forgotten word "Esquire". Despite the certain similarity of concepts, the application of these concepts was different. The word gentleman has firmly taken a place in the spoken language. The term Esquire was used, mainly, in written appeals.

Esq. In the UK today

The appeal of Esquire is now popular in English-speaking countries. In the UK, people who occupy the following posts are called:

- civil servants;

- justices of the peace. In the UK it is an elective unpaid position, which is usually occupied by a large landowner. The justice of the peace conducts litigation in the parish, regardless of its size, whether it is a large or small village. Esquire is a magistrate who sorts out administrative violations, poaching and petty criminal offenses;

- Scientists who have a doctor's degree, mainly in the field of law.

This appeal is applicable to educated people in the middle class. Exception is made of persons having a knightly title.

Esquires today in the US

Modern rhythm dictates its rules of life. Esq. In the United States is a man with an academic degree in law. Such treatment is applicable to both men and women lawyers. It is also permissible to use this word in relation to persons who are members of the diplomatic service.

Thus, the term previously used in the knights' everyday life has become a popular and popular word. Esquire is the most frequent reference to young people in English-speaking countries, and the magazine with the same name is rightfully considered one of the most popular in the world.