First Estate (Noun)
Meaning
The clergy in France and the heads of the church in Britain.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The First Estate was one of the three estates of the French nobility that played a significant role in the country's governance before the French Revolution.
- In Britain, the heads of the church formed part of the establishment known as the First Estate, wielding significant influence over the government and society.
- During the French Revolution, the First Estate was abolished, marking the end of the clergy's formal representation in the government.
- The First Estate in France was composed of clergy from various levels of the Catholic Church hierarchy, including bishops, abbots, and other high-ranking officials.
- In contrast to the nobility and commoners, the First Estate was exempt from paying certain taxes and enjoyed other privileges due to its esteemed position in society.