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mandarinate

[man-der-uh-neyt]
noun
  1. the status or position of a mandarin.
  2. a group of mandarins or mandarins collectively.
  3. rule or government by mandarins.
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Origin of mandarinate

First recorded in 1720–30; mandarin + -ate3
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for mandarinate

Historical Examples

  • The mandarinate or official class is recruited from all ranks of the people by competitive examination.

    Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2

    Various

  • Was there not, moreover, an open door before his face inviting him to win for himself the honors of a mandarinate?