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 a former or outdated regime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 “old money” is relative here, given that the Chinese-speaking world has no real ancien regime to speak of.

From The Daily Beast

We've forgotten the persistence of what many dismiss as America's ancien regime.

From The Daily Beast

She adroitly led the conversation to the times which had now, within a few short years, become the "ancien regime."

From Project Gutenberg

He was an enthusiast for the ancien regime, and was trying to re-enact literally the family life of the last Bourbons.

From Project Gutenberg

The shadowy ghost of the ancien regime seemed to have become more bowed during the conversation.

From Project Gutenberg

There was, however, another side to the so-called "Ancien Regime" which we must keep in mind.

From Project Gutenberg

She is quite indifferent to coquetry, this grande dame of the ancien regime!

From Project Gutenberg