Tuesday, 8 August 2023

The French origins of the word 'squire'

'Squire' is a word borrowed from French 'esquier'. The word entered the English language some time around the 13th century.


squire [noun] [13th century]
  • a shield bearer or armor bearer of a knight
  • a male attendant especially on a great personage
  • a man who devotedly attends a lady
  • gallant
  • a member of the British gentry ranking below a knight and above a gentleman
See 'squire' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French.

Etymology: Middle English 'squier' from Anglo-French 'esquier'
See more loan words from 1200s.


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