SECOND ESTATE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "second estate" is a concept that historically referred to a specific social class or group within a feudal society. It originated in medieval Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages, and was prevalent in France under the Ancien Régime.
The second estate represented the nobility and aristocracy, composed of individuals whose positions and privileges were typically inherited. This social class held significant political and economic power, and their status was based on their noble birth or affiliation. The second estate usually encompassed people such as feudal lords, knights, barons, dukes, and other nobles who controlled vast lands and estates.
Members of the second estate enjoyed various privileges and exemptions that distinguished them from the other social orders. These included legal immunity, exemption from certain taxes, the right to participate in governance, and the ability to lead military forces. The second estate often held prominent positions in government, aiding the monarch in ruling and establishing policies. In some cases, its members were part of the king's council or held high-ranking positions in the military.
The existence of the second estate highlights the hierarchical structure of feudal societies, where power and wealth were concentrated in the hands of a privileged few. This social class played a crucial role in the political, economic, and cultural life of medieval societies and influenced the course of history during that era.
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In the United Kingdom, the House of Peers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SECOND ESTATE
- aecond estate
- zecond estate
- xecond estate
- decond estate
- eecond estate
- wecond estate
- swcond estate
- sscond estate
- sdcond estate
- srcond estate
- s4cond estate
- s3cond estate
- sexond estate
- sevond estate
- sefond estate
- sedond estate
- secind estate
- secknd estate
- seclnd estate
Etymology of SECOND ESTATE
The term "second estate" originated in medieval France and refers to one of the three estates, or social classes, that made up French society before the French Revolution. The etymology of the word itself can be broken down as follows:
1. Second: The term "second" is derived from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "following" or "next". It signifies that the second estate is following or comes next after the first estate.
2. Estate: The word "estate" comes from the Latin word "status", meaning "condition" or "state of being". In medieval France, the term "estate" referred to a particular social class or group with distinct privileges, rights, and responsibilities. The three estates were typically identified as the clergy (first estate), the nobility (second estate), and the commoners (third estate).
Similar spelling words for SECOND ESTATE
- second hand,
- second baseman,
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- second half,
- second advent,
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- second base,
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- secondhand,
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- second person,
- second-guess,
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- second-sighted,
- secondment,
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- second best,
- second trimester,
- second sight,
- secondary cell,
- second class,
- second crusade,
- Second Empire,
- Second Reich,
- second-best,
- second wind.
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