mandarinate

[ man-der-uh-neyt ]

noun

1. the status or position of a mandarin.
2. a group of mandarins or mandarins collectively.
3. rule or government by mandarins.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mandarinate¹

First recorded in 1720–30; mandarin + -ate ³

Example Sentences

Then he noted that Lord O'Donnell presented no evidence: it was just the special pleading of a high priest of the mandarinate.

From BBC

Even today, in its dilapidated state, the United States retains the outward functions of representative democracy, while Europe is sinking into what amounts to an unelected mandarinate government not so different than today’s China.

From Forbes

Anyone who understands the traditional subtlety of the Chinese mandarinate knows what this means.

From Forbes

Sun, although bitterly opposed to the mandarinate of the Empire and the pseudo-Republic, could not rid himself of the age-old Chinese idea of a class organization on a basis of intellect rather than of property.

From Project Gutenberg

How is the work of the Mandarinate performed? we hear some say.

From Project Gutenberg