[f. as prec. + -SHIP.] The position or dignity of an esquire. The service of an esquire or escort.
1619. T. Milles, trans. Mexia’s, etc., Treas. Anc. & Mod. T., II. 527/1 (L.). [They] make the dignitie of Esquireship successorie.
1650. B., Discolliminium, 48. If I be an Esquire, I will sell my Esquireship to any honest man for a good People-ship.
1783. Miss Burney, Diary, II. 282. I most gladly accepted and almost asked his ’squireship.
1843. Fraser’s Mag., XXVII. 667. He had attained the envied esquireship, and its further appendage of R.A.
