Squire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🏰
squire
[skwaɪər ]
Definition
historical title
A squire was historically an apprentice or attendant to a knight. In the feudal system, squires were typically young men who were training to become knights themselves. They assisted knights in various tasks such as caring for their horses and armor. The term has evolved over time, and while it retains some of its historical connotations, it is sometimes used more broadly in modern contexts to denote a young nobleman or gentleman. Overall, the role of a squire was integral to the chivalric and martial traditions of the medieval period.
Synonyms
apprentice, gentleman, servant.
Examples of usage
- The young squire trained diligently to prove himself worthy of knighthood.
- In the tournament, each knight had a squire to assist him.
- He dreamt of becoming a squire and serving a noble lord.
- The novel's protagonist was a squire with aspirations of greatness.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'squire'
The word 'squire' originates from the Old French 'esquier,' which itself comes from the Latin 'scutarius' meaning 'shield-bearer.' Initially, it referred to a young man of noble birth who served as an attendant to a knight. As the feudal system developed in medieval Europe, the role of the squire was formalized, becoming an essential stage in the training process for aspiring knights. Squires were typically tasked with the care of a knight's horse, armor, and weapons, while also receiving training in combat and the chivalric code. Over the centuries, the term has shifted, and while it retains its historical significance, it can also refer more generally to men of noble rank or landowners in rural areas.