petty bourgeoisie

noun

1. petite bourgeoisie.

Word History and Origins

Origin of petty bourgeoisie¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The petty bourgeoisie, great in boasting, is very impotent for action, and very shy in risking anything.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet the movement, having once got into the hands of the petty bourgeoisie, was ruined from its very beginning.

From Project Gutenberg

In turn, the aristocracy, high finance, petty bourgeoisie and the large middle classes in general gained political ascendancy.

From Project Gutenberg

The petty bourgeoisie was represented, but not the great capitalists.

From Project Gutenberg