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”

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. 2023

How to use ancien régime in a sentence

But “old money” is relative here, given that the Chinese-speaking world has no real ancien regime to speak of.
Gatsby in Asia|Ross Perlin|June 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
We've forgotten the persistence of what many dismiss as America's ancien regime.
Behind the Brooke Astor Affair|Michael Gross|November 17, 2008|DAILY BEAST
She adroitly led the conversation to the times which had now, within a few short years, become the "ancien regime."
The Chouans|Honore de Balzac
He was an enthusiast for the ancien regime, and was trying to re-enact literally the family life of the last Bourbons.
The Innocence of Father Brown|G. K. Chesterton

The shadowy ghost of the ancien regime seemed to have become more bowed during the conversation.
A Set of Six|Joseph Conrad
There was, however, another side to the so-called "Ancien Regime" which we must keep in mind.
The Story of Mankind|Hendrik van Loon
She is quite indifferent to coquetry, this grande dame of the ancien regime!
Man and Maid|Elinor Glyn

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a former or outdated regime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.