Great Britain - a country established customs, words and laws, which the representatives of other nations are not clear and unknown.One such word-remnants of the past, is the term "Esq."This concept is found in the early Middle Ages, after many transformations used in our time, but is used in the sense, far removed from the original.
origin of the word
term "Esquire" or "squire" was found in written records the beginning of XVII century.The word is of Anglo-Norman origin.Esquire - a squire schitonosets, trustee.According to the title, according to the classification Heraldry Sir William Camden, can have such people as:
- the eldest sons of Knights.The title of this nobility was given for an indefinite period;
- younger sons of titled lords and nobles of the upper class.The title of a lifetime;
- the person who was granted the title of Esquire under the royal charter.Such a person might belong to people from different social classes.He is awarded the title for his services to the king and the government.The royal charter granted the right to be called the Knights of its owners, have a coat of arms and transfer the title of Esquire by inheritance;
- face credible Crown: judges, lawyers, government officials said.They had the right to be called esquires as long as not to leave a specified position.
Two hundred years later to the basic meaning of the word and added others.The right to be called esquires belonged mainly gentry - the landed gentry netitulovanym.According to the classification of Charles Boutell, referred to in this manner also have the right to:
- foreign nobles;
- lawyers who are entitled to act in the higher courts - barristers;
- some army officers, not below the rank of captain.
Esq XIX century
In the nineteenth century the gentry class silhouetted image of an ideal knight-contemporary: just a man of high moral standards of the noble class, which is always attentive to the ladies who follow the rules and win opponents in a fair fight.Newly formed the word "gentleman" soon merged with the old, half-forgotten but the word "Esq."In spite of a certain similarity of concepts, the application of these concepts were different.The word gentleman firmly taken place in the spoken language.Esq term used mainly in a written statement.
Esquire in the UK today
Handling "Esquire" and is now popular in English-speaking countries.In the UK, the so-called people who occupy the following positions:
- civil servants;
- Justices of the Peace.In the UK this election unpaid post which usually takes a large landowner.Magistrate conducts proceedings in the parish, regardless of its size, whether large or small town.Esquire - a magistrate who examines administrative violations, poaching and minor criminal offenses;
- scientists with a doctorate in science, especially in the field of law.
This appeal applies to the educated middle class.Exceptions are persons who are knighted.
Esquire in the US today
modern pace of life dictates its own rules.Esquire in the US - a person with a degree in law.This treatment applies to both men and women-lawyers.It is also permissible to use the word in relation to persons in the diplomatic service.
Thus, the term previously used in everyday life of knights, became a widespread and popular word.Esquire - is the most common treatment for young people in English-speaking countries, and the magazine of the same name is considered one of the most popular in the world.
