ancien régime

[ ahn-syan rey-zheem ]

/ ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim /

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noun, plural an·ciens ré·gimes

[ahn-syan rey-zheem]. /ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim/. French.

the political and social system of France before the revolution of 1789.

the system of government during this period.

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Origin of ancien régime

First recorded in 1790–95; from French; literally, “old rule”

Words nearby ancien régime

anchusin, anchylose, anchylostomiasis, Ancienne-Lorette, ancienne noblesse, ancien régime, ancient, Ancient Greek, ancient history, ancient lights, anciently

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use ancien régime in a sentence

The question is will we see regime changes in both Hamas and Israel that embrace a lasting peace?
In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead|Dean Obeidallah|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I had been arrested by the Mubarak regime and went on to spend four years behind bars.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The world should stand in solidarity with him and the many other victims of the Assad regime.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He advocates a secular regime with a total separation of religion form the government.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Krivov was sentenced to serve four years at a general regime penal colony for his fight for freedom and human rights.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is here that the Communist regime in Russia has encountered its most fatal difficulty.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Extrait d'un livre Anglais qui a pour titre le Christianisme aussi ancien que le monde.
Baron d'Holbach|Max Pearson Cushing
The Association sold its land, shipping, &c.; and Mr. Endicot was appointed under the new regime.
The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2|Egerton Ryerson
At our last meeting, you foretold the near overthrow of Mr. Nixon and the Croker regime.
The Onlooker, Volume 1, Part 2|Various
Of course the exception to this otherwise uniformly uncongenial Anglo-American interrelation was the regime of the Commonwealth.
William Bradford of Plymouth|Albert Hale Plumb

British Dictionary definitions for ancien régime

ancien régime

/ French (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim) /

noun plural anciens régimes (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)

the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789

a former or outdated regime

Word Origin for ancien régime

literally: old regime

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for ancien régime

ancien régime

[ (ahnn-syann ray-zheem) ]

The political and social order that prevailed in France before the French Revolution, built on a belief in absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings.