first estate

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
  • There’s a security company founder, the leader of the local NAACP and a clergy person, too.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Testimony in opposition included transgender individuals, family members and clergy.
    Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Passengers attended a California church camp The fire department said the bus was returning to Orange County after passengers attended a church camp in the San Bernardino Mountains near Angelus Oaks, a small community surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • After Pope Francis died on April 21, Benitez was inspired by Father James Martin’s appearance on GMA, who talked about the church leader’s more progressive views.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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