TITLES. ORDERS, AND DEGREES OF PRECEDENCE AND DIGNITY'. XXXV tapped him on the shoulder, saying to him in French, " Sois Chevalier au nom de Dieu ;" that is, Be thou a knight in the name of God ; afterwards adding, " Avances, Chevalier (Arise, Sir Knight)." Some contend that knights-bachelors were not full knights, but a middle degree between knights and esquires. " There be," says Camden, " who would have bachelors so called, as one would say bos-chevaliers, that is, knights of low degree ; although others derive their name from the French verb battailer, which means to combat or fight it out." On the other hand, respectable writers have contended that the term "bachelor" indicates the non-descent of the title, as if the knight were unmarried. Passing by these discussions, we may remark without disparage- ment that the simple knight-bachelor is scarcely regarded amongst ourselves as the equal of the member of a denned knightly order.
ESQUIKES. Amid the superfluity of discussion respecting the origin and meaning of the title of esquire, the obvious and natural conclusion is that, as the derivation is from scutifer (shield-bearer), the esquires were those who bore the shields of princey, nobles, and knights, and being themselves of respectable quality, imparted some of that respec- tability (further reflected from the great persons whom they attended) to their office. They were frequently the personal friends and companions of their patrons. Thence the title became an object of ambition to gentlemen of the middle class ; and Camden says that "the title of esquire, which in former times was a title of charge and office only, crept forth among other titles of dignity and worship." The same author enumerates five classes of esquires, of graduated degrees of honour. We know no such distinctions now-a-days, but it has been a subject of dispute amongst pur most learned writers to whom the title of esquire really belongs. It seems pretty well understood, however, that those to whom it is of right due are all noblemen's younger sons, and the elder sons of such younger sons; the eldest sons of knights, and their eldest sons; the officers of the sovereign's court and household ; naval and military officers from the rank of captain upwards ; barristers at-law, royal academicians, graduates of universities, medical men holding degrees, justices of the peace, &c. It is contended, however, that justices of th<; peace are only enquires in reputation; besides, a justice of the peace holds this title no longer than he is in the commission of the peace, in case he be not otherwise qualified to bear it ; but a sheriff of a county, who is a superior officer, retains the title of esquire during his life, in consequence of the trust once reposed in him. The heads of some ancient families are said to be esquires by prescription ; even tbis is a disputed question. GENTLEMEN. If antiquarian controversy wax warm as to the classes entitled to the style of esquhe, the qualification for the name of gentleman has engrossed still more elaborate discus- ion. The question is not who is above it, but who is below it; for the highest iii the laud is proud of being a true gentleman ; and it was regarded as the highest compliment ever paid to King George IV., when as Frince liegent he was
