Écuyers

An écuyer, also spelled "ecuyer" or "ecuyer," was a term used in medieval Europe to describe a young nobleman or gentleman who was in the service of a higher-ranking noble or a king. The term is derived from the Old French word "ecuyer," which means "horseman" or "knight." Écuyers were typically between the ages of 14 and 25 and were responsible for various duties, including serving as pages, attending to the needs of their lords, and participating in military campaigns. They were often educated in the arts of chivalry and were expected to demonstrate skills in horsemanship, combat, and courtly behavior. Écuyers played a significant role in the social and military hierarchies of medieval Europe, serving as intermediaries between the nobility and the lower classes. The term "écuyer" is still used in some contexts today, particularly in reference to the ranks of the French military.