armigerous

Literally, bearing arms. But in present usage, armiger is a title of dignity next in degree to a knight. In times of chivalry, it signified an attendant on a knight, or other person of rank, who bore his shield and rendered him other military services. so in antiquity, Abimilech, Saulhad their armor bearers. Judges 9:54; 1 Samuel 16:21. as had Hector and Achilles. This title, under the French princes, in England, was exchanged, in common usage, for esquire, L. scutum, a shield. Armiger is still retained with us as a title of respect, being the Latin word equivalent toesquire, which see.