ˈekwərē, -ri; ə̇ˈkwer-, ēˈ-, eˈ- noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin equus horse) of earlier esquiry, escurie, from esquiry, escurie stable, from Middle French escuirie, escurie collection of squires, office of a squire, stable, from escuier squire + -ie -y — more at esquire
1. : an officer of princes or nobles charged with the care of their horses
2. : a man usually of social or military rank in regular attendance upon a member of royalty ; specifically : one of the officers of the British royal household in the department of the master of the horse in regular attendance on the sovereign or another member of the royal family (as for carrying messages, receiving formal social correspondence, or announcing guests) — compare lady-in-waiting