squire Definition
- 1a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself
- 2a country gentleman who owns and lives on an estate in rural England
- 3a man who accompanies a woman in public, especially for social events
Using squire: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "squire" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The squire was responsible for the upkeep of the knight's armor.
Example
He inherited the estate from his father and became a squire at the age of 21.
Example
She attended the ball with her squire, who was also her cousin.
Example
The squire was well-respected in the village for his generosity and kindness.
Example
He was knighted after serving as a squire for several years.
squire Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using squire
Example
He always squired it up when he was around women.
Example
He was known as the squire of dames because he had so many female admirers.
Example
He served as the squire of the body to the king for many years.
Phrases with squire
the class of landed gentry in England
Example
The squirearchy dominated English politics for centuries.
squire's daughter
a young woman of good family but without a dowry
Example
The squire's daughter fell in love with a poor farmer.
squire's knock
a loud, confident knock on a door
Example
He gave the door a squire's knock and waited for a response.
Origins of squire
from Old French 'esquier', meaning 'shield bearer'
Summary: squire in Brief
The term 'squire' [skwaiər] refers to a young nobleman who serves as an attendant to a knight, a country gentleman who owns and lives on an estate in rural England, or a man who accompanies a woman in public. It extends into phrases like 'squirearchy,' denoting the class of landed gentry in England, and idioms like 'squire it up,' implying chivalrous behavior. 'Squire' can also be used as a verb, meaning to escort someone.
