1. plural of squireen; minor landowners or petty squires, especially in Ireland
Usage: historical; chiefly Irish

Examples

• The squireens controlled small estates in rural Ireland during the 18th century.
• Many squireens struggled to maintain their social status as their lands diminished.
• The local squireens gathered at the county fair to discuss agricultural matters.
• Unlike the great landlords, the squireens lived modestly on their properties.
• The squireens often served as magistrates in their local communities.