fifth monarchy

[ fifth mon-er-kee ]

noun

1. the fifth and final monarchy following the Assyrian, Persian, Greek (under Alexander the Great ), and Roman monarchies, supposed to have been prophesied in the Bible.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fifth monarchy¹

First recorded in 1650–55

Example Sentences

He was a Fifth Monarchy man, if a tract printed in 1654, entitled “A Declaration of several of the Churches of Christ, and Godly People, in and about the City of London,” etc., which mentions “the Church which walks with Mr. Barebone,” refers to him.

From Project Gutenberg

A petition to the first parliament of Charles II. stated that 3179 had been imprisoned; the number rose to 4500 in 1662, the Fifth Monarchy outbreak, in which Friends were in no way concerned, being largely responsible for this increase.

From Project Gutenberg

These regarded themselves as called, in consequence of their being inspired by God's Spirit, to form the “kingdom of the saints” on earth promised in the last days, and hence also, from Daniel ii. and vii., they were called Fifth Monarchy Men.

From Project Gutenberg

There used to be the Puritans, the Fifth Monarchy men, the Arians, and many another heresy.

From Project Gutenberg

Can you imagine Shakespeare an enthusiast for an ‘idea’; a devotee of divine right, or the rights of Parliament, or any particular form of government in Church or State; a Fifth Monarchy man, or a Quaker, or a thick-and-thin adherent of any compact, exclusive, abstract creed, even if it were as rational and noble as Mazzini’s?

From Project Gutenberg