ancien régime

[ ahn-syan rey-zheem ]
/ ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim /

noun, plural an·ciens ré·gimes [ahn-syan rey-zheem] /ɑ̃ syɛ̃ reɪˈʒim/. French.

the political and social system of France before the revolution of 1789.
the system of government during this period.

Words nearby ancien régime

anchusa, anchusin, anchylo-, anchylose, anchylostomiasis, ancien régime, ancienne noblesse, ancienne-lorette, ancient, ancient arabic order of nobles of the mystic shrine, ancient greek

British Dictionary definitions for ancien regime

ancien régime
/ French (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim) /

noun plural anciens régimes (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)

the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789
a former or outdated regime

Word Origin for ancien régime

literally: old regime

Cultural definitions for ancien regime

ancien régime
[ (ahnn-syann ray-zheem) ]

The political and social order that prevailed in France before the French Revolution, built on a belief in absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings.