first estate

Definition of first estatenext
as in clergy
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church a nation in which the first estate had long held a privileged position

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first estate
Noun
  • The agreement affects around 530 individuals who have filed abuse claims against current or former members of the city's Catholic clergy.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2026
  • Few commoners could read Latin, which helped the clergy retain a monopoly on biblical interpretation.
    Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • So, Galetto was delighted to learn that the first American pope would be speaking live and receiving an award less than two miles from his church, on the eve of the nation’s 250th birthday.
    Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
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Cite this Entry

“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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