I brought him his meals, cleaned his table when he was finished, I kept his clothing and linens clean, carried his messages, and returned the replies. Mostly I poured wine.
— Podrick Payne discussing his duties as Tyrion Lannister’s squire to Brienne
A squire is traditionally a young man that enters the service of a knight or lord usually with the promise of attaining knighthood at some point in the future, when the squire’s master deems it proper. Squires usually take the role of a personal servant, running errands for their masters and keeping their armor, shield, weaponry, and horse ready for battle or tournaments.
Men who haven’t the money to buy armaments or the ambition to become a knight stay squires, and become men-at-arms.
Squires frequently fight by their master’s side in battle, though very young squires do not normally participate in combat.
Even a knight can serve as a squire for another man, normally a lord. Ser Daemon Sand squired for Oberyn Martell during the trial by combat in King’s Landing.
