Meaning & use

esquire

noun·Advanced

A title of respect placed after a man's name, historically for an English gentleman, and today often for a lawyer.

See it in a sentence

The envelope was addressed formally to John Smith, Esquire.

In the United States, many attorneys add 'Esquire' after their names on official letters.

A note on using this word

Esquire is usually abbreviated 'Esq.' and follows the full name; it is rarely used in ordinary conversation.

Words with a similar meaning

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