armiger

[Lat. armiger, in inscriptions armiger us; from arm a = arms, and gero wear, to bear about with one.] An esquire, properly one who attended on a knight, to bear his shield and otherwise render him service. [EsQUIRE.] "Mender. Ay, and ratolorum too; and a gentleman born, master parson who writes himself armigero : in any bill, warrant, quittance, or obligation, arm i gero." Shakesp.: Merry Wives of Windsor, i. L. ar-mig-er-oŭs, a . [In Sp., Port., & Ital. armigero = martial (see ARMIGER), "bearing arms."] Pertaining or relating to an esquire or person who attended on a knight. [See ESQUIRE.] "They belonged to the armigerous part of the population." De Quincey. (Good rich & Porter.)