ESQUIRE (SUA, lunar) -

Esquire (abbreviated Esq.) is a term of British origin (ultimately from Latin scutarius in the sense of shield bearer via Old French "esquier"), referring only to males, and used to denote a high but indeterminate social status. Esquire is cognate with the word squire, which originally meant an apprentice or assistant to a knight. Relics of this origin can still be found today associated with the word Esquire. For example in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem "Esquire" is today the most junior grade of membership.