definitions

ancien régime

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

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.

RELATED CONTENT

What’s The Difference Between “Cracy” And “Ism” In Government?Read more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
Sex PistolsRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Nearby words

anchylo-, anchylose, anchylosis, anchylostomiasis, ancien regime, ancien régime, ancienne noblesse, ancienne-lorette, ancient, ancient arabic order of nobles of the mystic shrine, ancient greek
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for ancien regime

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a former or outdated regime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

Word Origin and History for ancien regime

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Culture definitions for ancien regime

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.