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
  • Flanked by several clergy members of various denominations, Dolan, 76, thanked his former colleagues, as well as civic and community officials, before praising Jesus Christ for his lengthy career in the church.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Guided by Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill, the leaders pointed to low voter turnout numbers in the south suburbs and urged the audience to mobilize neighbors, clergy and even the people sitting around their dinner tables to vote in the November midterm elections.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The original church is no longer standing, but archaeologists have teamed with members of the current congregation to ensure their history is properly preserved.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • PragueReuters — An unknown thief snatched an 800-year-old skull believed to be of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk from a display box in a church in the northern Czech Republic and ran away with the relic, police said on Wednesday.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 May 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 19 May. 2026.

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