Esquire

Esquire is a term with several related meanings, primarily denoting a social rank, a courtesy title, or a professional designation for lawyers.

Historical Rank: Originally, "esquire" designated a rank of English gentry, standing socially above a gentleman but below a knight. It was a position of social status and often associated with holding land or office. This meaning is largely archaic in modern usage.

Courtesy Title: In contemporary British usage, "Esquire" (abbreviated Esq.) is a courtesy title appended to a man's name in formal correspondence, particularly when the recipient's specific rank or title is unknown, or to avoid using Mr. It carries no inherent social or legal weight. It is not used by the person to refer to themselves. The use of "Esquire" is becoming less common.

Professional Designation: In the United States, "Esquire" (Esq.) is a professional title typically used by attorneys after their name. It indicates that a person is licensed to practice law. This usage is generally accepted and understood within the legal profession and the broader community. It is commonly used in correspondence, business cards, and official legal documents. The title signifies that the individual has met the requirements to be a practicing attorney in a specific jurisdiction. The use of "Esquire" after an attorney's name is optional.

Gender and Usage: While historically the term was exclusively used for men, the professional designation in the United States is applied to both male and female attorneys.

Related Terms: Gentleman, Knight, Attorney at Law, Counselor at Law.