ARMIG'EROUS, a. [L. armiger, arma and gero.]
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, Saul, _c. had their armor bearers. Judg 9. 1 Sam 16. 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 to esquire, which see.
