Squire

In medieval times a squire was a man-at-arms in the service of a knight, often as his apprentice.

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The English squire comes from the Old French escuier, itself derived from the Late Latin scutarius - "shield bearer." The Latin equivalent is armiger.

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A squire was originally a person who aspired to the rank of knighthood and who, as part of his development to that end, served an existing knight as his attendant or shield carrier (hence the name). However, during the middle ages the rank of esquire came to be recognised in its own right and, once knighthood ceased to be conferred by any but the monarch, it was no longer to be assumed that any esquire would in due course progress to be a knight. The connection between a squire and any particular knight also ceased to exist, as did any shield carrying duties.

Medieval: REDIRECTMiddle Ages...

Man-at-arms: Man-at-arms was a medieval term for a soldier, almost always a professional. It was most often used to refer to men in a knight's or lord's retinue who were well-equipped and -trained (deriving from having men under arms - meaning to be trained in the use of arms)....

Knight: :For the chess piece, see knight (chess)....

Squire related Images and Photos (experimental)

Puck Magazine: Squire's Scheme

Portrait of Squire Morland Seated Three Quarter Length in Buff Coat Breeches and Yellow Waistcoat

Portrait of a Military Captain with His Squire circa 1518-22