ancien régime

[ ahn-syan rey-zheem ]

noun

, French.

, plural an·ciens ré·gimes [ah, n, -sya, n, , r, ey-, zheem].

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

ancien régime

/ ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim /

noun

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 a former or outdated regime

ancien régime

1. 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancien régime¹

First recorded in 1790–95; from French; literally, “old rule”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ancien régime¹

literally: old regime

Example Sentences

But as he moves toward the date of his appointed deed, the young man develops a love for the artistic and cultural achievements of ancien regime Europe, achievements, he understands, that in important ways depended upon the inequalities of wealth he has come to loathe.

From Salon

“Ancien Regime Change 4, 5, and 6” was one of two solo shows on view at MoMA PS1 until earlier this month that offered an enjoyable jolt to the nervous system — not to mention the history of art and design.

From Los Angeles Times

This absurd bit of revisionism was on my mind as I ambled through Umar Rashid’s solo exhibition “Ancien Regime Change 4, 5, and 6” at MoMA PS1 in New York City last month.

From Los Angeles Times

President Macron encouraged the death of the ancien régime, that old order which he exploited to pose as the lone moderate, picking sensible bits from programmes of left and right.

From BBC

As if channeling the spirit of the libertines who thrived during the Ancien Régime, David chose to paint a kind of joke picture: Cupid — depicted here not as a winged cherub but as a Caravaggio-style street kid with a fit body and laborer’s tan — is trying to leave the canopied, Empire-style bed of the sexually satisfied, slumbering Psyche.

From Washington Post