squirearchy

American  

[skwahyuhr-ahr-kee] / ˈskwaɪər ɑr ki /

Or squirarchy

noun

plural

squirearchies

1. the collective body of squires or landed gentry of a country.

2. the social, economic, and political class formed by the landed gentry.

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squirearchy British  

/ ˈskwaɪəˌrɑːkɪ /

noun

1. government by squires

2. squires collectively, esp as a political or social force

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Other Word Forms

• squirearchal
  adjective
• squirearchical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of squirearchy

First recorded in 1795–1805; squire + -archy

Example Sentences

The so-called English squirearchy, which began as a military class, gradually became a landowning caste from which the members of Parliament were elected.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2023

America's ruling class, both during the colonial period and the early decades of independence, was a direct offshoot of English squirearchy.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2023

In Austin, at least, the newlyweds can take their place comfortably in the provincial squirearchy.

From Time Magazine Archive

A tight, well-managed squirearchy whose armament expenditures reach only one-twelfth of its balanced budget, Hungary never ceased to earmark money for the debt payment.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some of the Prussian squirearchy are now making their way to the port.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys