Family Compact

British  

noun

1. the ruling oligarchy in Upper Canada in the early 19th century

2. (often not capitals) any influential clique

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Example Sentences

Too many of our historians write as if all the members of the Family Compact had been selfish and corrupt, and all our present statesmen were altruistic and pure.

From The Tribune of Nova Scotia A Chronicle of Joseph Howe by Grant, W. L. (William Lawson)

But in the '45 he had taken no part, and he revealed to the British Government the existence of the Bourbon Family Compact.

From James Boswell Famous Scots Series by Leask, W. Keith (William Keith)

"Family Compact," the, Political views, and position of, 18, 60 et sqq.,

From British Supremacy & Canadian Self-Government, 1839-1854 by Morison, J. L. (John Lyle)

The Government until then was composed of members of the Family Compact, and they determined to keep settlers in the dark, and to allow the Laird of McNab to do as he pleased.

From The Last Laird of MacNab An Episode in the Settlement of MacNab Township, Upper Canada by Various

As early as the outbreak of the war a Family Compact had been secretly concluded between France and Spain, the main object of which was the ruin of the maritime supremacy of Britain.

From History of the English People, Volume VII The Revolution, 1683-1760; Modern England, 1760-1767 by Green, John Richard