[See also SQUARE]. A magistrate or justice. The term is often used loosely.
1784. My brother, Squire Boon, with another adventurer, who came to explore the country shortly after us, was wandering through the forest, determined to find me, if possible, and accidentally found our camp.—D. Boon in Filson’s ‘Kentucke,’ p. 53.
1790. Squire Varnum [lost] 28 acres of winter grain…. Squire Barns of Chelmsford, had 148 squares of glass broken.—Mass. Spy, Aug. 5.
1800. If this meets your mind, squire, say so.—The Aurora, Phila., May 2.
1810. Accordingly Esq. Whitebush and Col. Browntush were unanimously chosen to put on the sheep’s clothing.—Mass. Spy, July 11.
1812. This same Esq. Kettle is a man who now invites them to meet at Concord…. The minutes were taken by the Council [sic] employed against Capt. Pool, and not by said Justice Kettle.—Boston-Gazette, Aug. 10.
1814. A Publick Vendue of an Equity of Redemption at Esquire Gould’s Tavern in Phillipston.—Mass. Spy, July 27.
1817. He is not in the least danger of receiving a rude or an uncivil answer, even if he should address himself to a squire, (so justices are called.)—John Bradbury, ‘Travels,’ p. 320. (Italics in the original.)
1822. It was proposed by some of them to couple themselves, and go to a young Justice and be married. This it was thought would be fine fun, and a clever joke on the young Squire.—Mass. Spy, May 22: from the New-London Advocate.
1825. No titles for me, that imply subordination. ’Squire, ’squire!—I’d as lief be anointed ‘moderator;’ ‘se-lect-man,’ as you call it, or corporal, or deacon.—John Neal, ‘Brother Jonathan,’ i. 62. (Italics in the original.)
1829. It is a justice’s commission, and gives you henceforth the dignified title of Esquire.—Mass. Spy, May 20: from the Evening Chronicle.
1843. I went directly to the office of the esquire.—‘Lowell Offering,’ iii. 200.
1844. I’ve snaked it about these woods for a week, lookin’ for a squire to hitch us, and wore out a pair of deer-skin breeches lookin’ for him.—Yale Lit. Mag., x. 167 (Feb.).
1846. I thought you looked like a squire—kind of.—Knick. Mag., xxviii. 144 (Aug.).
1851. Esquire Crocker had been in the country but a short time.—Gustavus Hines, ‘Oregon,’ p. 138.
1854. See GALLOWSES.
