Family Compact
Britishnoun
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the ruling oligarchy in Upper Canada in the early 19th century
-
(often not capitals) any influential clique
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Worst of all, it soon appeared that Godoy was bent on reviving the policy of the Family Compact, making common cause even with the murderers of Louis XVI in order to thwart England's expansion oversea.
From William Pitt and the Great War by Rose, John Holland
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
He detailed the wrongs of the settlers and the exactions of the Chief in glowing terms, and was extremely severe on the "Family Compact."
From The Last Laird of MacNab An Episode in the Settlement of MacNab Township, Upper Canada by Various
The Family Compact were alarmed, and before any steps could be taken towards entering upon the proposed inquiry they prevailed upon the Governor, Francis Gore, to prorogue the House.
From The Canadian Portrait Gallery - Volumes 1 to 4 by Dent, John Charles
B Attributed by Durham to ascendancy of Family Compact, 11.
From The Makers of Canada: Index and Dictionary of Canadian History by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
