a. [f. SQUIRE sb. + -ISH.]

1

  † 1.  (See quot.) Obs.–1

2

a. 1700.  B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Squirish, foolish; also one that pretends to Pay all Reckonings, and is not strong enough in the Pocket.

3

  2.  Characteristic of or befitting a squire.

4

1755.  Smollett, Quix., Pref. (1803), I. 8. Sancho Panza, in whom I think are united all the squirish graces.

5

1881.  Duffield, Don Quix., 1. cxxii. Plain attire and squirish speech.

6

  3.  Having the deportment, appearance or character of a country squire.

7

1814.  in Parr’s Wks. (1828), VIII. 366. Nothing squirish, though so great a country gentleman.

8

1826.  Westm. Rev., VI. 263. When lords were still more lordly, and squires still more squirish than they are at present.

9

1883.  R. G. White, Wash. Adams, 67. He’s settled down into a mere squire, and has grown burly and squirish.

10

  Comb.  1859.  F. Francis, Newton Dogvane (1888), 260. Various yeoman-like and squirish-looking gentlemen who stood round.

11