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ancien régime

[ ahn-syanrey-zheem ]
/ ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim /
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noun, plural an·ciens ré·gimes [ahn-syanrey-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”
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ancien régime in a sentence

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a former or outdated regime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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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