Originally an Esquire was a shield-bearer or armour-bearer; an attendant on a knight;
hence in modern times it is a title of dignity next in degree below a knight. In England this title is properly given to the younger sons of noblemen, to officers of the king's courts and of the household, to counsellors at law, justices of the peace while in commission, sheriffs, gentlemen who have held commissions in the army and navy, etc. It is usually given to all professional and literary men, and nowadays, in the addresses of letters, esquire may be put as a complimentary adjunct to almost any person's name. In heraldry the helmet of an esquire is represented sideways, with the vizor closed. Research Esquire
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Matt and Leela Probert
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Research Esquire
