GLACIS

In Fortification, the sloping of the parapet of the counterscarp or covered way towards the open country. ESQUIRE, Ecuyer, Escudcro. (In Latin, armiger.) A well known title of rank; derived from the French e'en, Lat. scutum, a slu'eld. Some suppose that it has its origin from the Scutaril,a sort of soldiery In the Roman armies; others derive it from equus, a horse, and suppose that esquire and equerry denoted originally the same thing, viz a groom. But it is generally supposed to have belonged to the shield or armour bearers (armiger i) attached to the person of knights. Tins office, in the times of chivalry was honourable, and generally borne by persons of good family. Hence the term esquire became gradually appropriated,in England, to a rank above the simple gentleman and below the knight. Younger sons of peers (now called Hononrables). their eldest sons, eldest sons of knights, sheriffs of counties, Serjeants at law, justices of the peace, and doctors of divinity, are esquires by virtue of their respective rank or office. Heads of ancient families are considered esquires by prescription; and hence has originated 421 [s. 435]