ESQUIRE was anciently the person that attended a knight in time of war, and carried his shield.
This title has not for a long time, had any relation to the office of the person, as to carry arms, &c. Those to whom the title of esquire is now of right due, are all noblemen's younger sons, and the eldest sons of such younger sons; the eldest sons of knights, and their eldest sons; the officers of the king's courts, and of his household; counsellors at law, justices of the peace, &c. though those latter are only esquires in reputation: besides, a justice of the peace holds this title no longer than he is in commission, in case he is not otherwise qualified to bear it: but a sheriff of a county, who is a superior officer, retains the title of esquire during life, in consequence of the trust once reposed in him: the heads of some ancient families are said to be esquires by prescription.