Family Compact
Britishnoun
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the ruling oligarchy in Upper Canada in the early 19th century
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(often not capitals) any influential clique
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Early in the year 1790 a dispute with England concerning the frontier in North America induced the Spanish government to claim the help of France under the Family Compact.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 2 "French Literature" to "Frost, William" by Various
The two powers of the House of Bourbon were still bound by the Family Compact, and eager for allies in the strife with England which the struggles in India and America were bringing hourly nearer.
From History of the English People, Volume VII The Revolution, 1683-1760; Modern England, 1760-1767 by Green, John Richard
Sir Charles chose his associates and advisers from among the members of the defunct Family Compact.
From The Canadian Portrait Gallery - Volumes 1 to 4 by Dent, John Charles
Thus the Assembly treated the Family Compact as null and void.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 2 "French Literature" to "Frost, William" by Various
Even the Family Compact were amazed that such things were permitted under their regime.
From The Last Laird of MacNab An Episode in the Settlement of MacNab Township, Upper Canada by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
