third estate

American  

noun

1. the third of the three estates or political orders: the commons in France or England.

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third estate British  

noun

1. the third order or class in a country or society divided into estates, esp for representation in a parliament; the commons, townsmen, or middle class

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Etymology

Origin of third estate

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

I repeat," says the Comte de Buzan�ois at the meeting of the Third-Estate of Berry, "that we are all brothers, and that we are anxious to share your burdens.

From The Ancient Regime by Durand, John

Now that the victorious Third-Estate has again overcome them and overwhelms them with numbers, they become still more maladroit, and conduct the defense much less efficiently than the attack.

From The French Revolution - Volume 1 by Durand, John

During the first half of the eighteenth century I am able to discover but one center of opposition in the Third-Estate, the Parliament; and around it, feeding the flame, the ancient Gallican or Jansenist spirit.

From The Ancient Regime by Durand, John

As the Third-Estate, it must be noted, is the sole class making and saving money, nearly all these creditors belong it.

From The Ancient Regime by Durand, John

For three weeks, the Third-Estate Carroccio, with far-seen Gonfalon, has stood stockstill, flouting the wind; waiting what force would gather round it.

From The French Revolution by Carlyle, Thomas