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.

QUIZZES

PRACTICE SOME ESCAPISM WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

We salute you if you remember all the doovers from Word of the Day between May 25 and May 31!
Question 1 of 7
salute
to call out to in order to stop, attract attention, ask aid, etc.
to wield power; exercise rule.
to express respect or praise for; honor; commend.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby ancien régime

anchusa, anchusin, anchylo-, anchylose, anchylostomiasis, 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. 2020

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a former or outdated regime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

Cultural 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.