Esquire

Esquire (BE: [ ɪskwaɪə ], AE [ ɛskwaɪɹ, ɪskwaɪɹ ]; English, from Latin scutarius, shield-bearer ') originally referred to the squires ( squire ); Since the 16th century it is for members of the lower nobility and coat of leading citizens, similar to the title of " Excellency " in German.

Later, and in some cases even to this day the title in the UK and Ireland, instead of " Mr" - but behind the name and usually esq. or Esq. shortened - in official documents and formal correspondence - but not in the personal salutation - used ( as John Smith, esq. ).

The British orders of knighthood ( Order of Saint John, Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor etc) confer the title " esquire " today at Wizard of the Order, they are often regarded as candidates for higher ranks of the Order.

In the United States wear lawyers, especially lawyers, usually the trailing named " esq. ", Whereas full-time judges carry the prefix title "Honorable ". The use of the title is based on convention, not on formal rules.