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ancien régime

[ahn-syan rey-zheem]
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noun, plural an·ciens ré·gimes [ahn-syan rey-zheem] /ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim/. French.
  1. the political and social system of France before the revolution of 1789.
  2. the system of government during this period.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for ancien regime

ancien régime

noun plural anciens régimes (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)
  1. the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789
  2. a former or outdated regime
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Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for ancien regime

n.

1794, from French ancien régime, literally "old rule," referring to the government and social order of France before the Revolution there. See ancient + regime.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
ancien regime in Culture

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.

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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.