Squire Meaning and Definition
Squire
Pronunciation
/ˈskwaɪər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A young man of gentle birth, often a tenant or vassal of a lord, and trained for warfare and other aristocratic pursuits.
Examples
- The young squire served as a page to the king.
- In medieval times, a squire was a young noble knight in training.
Synonyms
- Esquire
- Wealthy young man
Antonyms
- Poor young man
- Commoner
Etymology
The word “Squire” comes from the Old French word “esquier”, which is derived from the Frankish word “skuwir”, meaning “young warrior” or “young noble”.
Additional Information
In modern times, the term “Squire” is often used informally to refer to a wealthy, young man with a sense of pride and aristocratic bearing. In some countries, such as the UK, a Squire is still a recognized social and economic class.
The role of a Squire has evolved over time, but its core sentiments of loyalty, honor, and service to a lord or cause remain intact.
Usage Notes
The term “Squire” is generally used to describe a young man from a noble or wealthy family, often with a strong sense of tradition and heritage.
Cultural References
The term “Squire” has been referenced in various works of literature, such as Michael Howard’s novel “The Squire’s Tale” and Mark Twain’s novel “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”, where the protagonist meets a Squire who teaches him about chivalry and the code of honor.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“The Squire’s Tale” is a common idiom referring to a story or legend about a Squire’s exploits or achievements.
Related Words or Phrases
- Gentleman
- Lord
- Knights
Collocations
The following collocations are commonly used with the term “Squire”: “young Squire”, “wealthy Squire”, “handsome Squire”, “brave Squire”, and “noble Squire”.
Frequency of Use
The term “Squire” is relatively rare in modern language, but it remains an important part of historical and literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Squaire
- Squir