Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 21:08:37 -0400

From: Orin Hargraves OKH[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]COMPUSERVE.COM

Subject: squires



Hi Lynne,



In England squire is still a term of address that working-class market

traders use to flatter potential customers. Also in England, it is

customary to write "Esq." after any man's name on business mail -- stuff

that your bank sends you, e.g., and you don't have to be a lawyer to earn=



the title! t I'm not familiar with the US usages, except the joking ones

you refer to -- though others responding have attested these.



All the best,



Orin Hargraves