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
  • He was further influenced after learning that the FBI often calls on priests, rabbis and other clergy members to counsel victims at mass-casualty events.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Madison Diocese concluded an investigation into clergy abuse in 2019, and released the names of seven men.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Roberson, leader of the church since 2023, has also opened the doors of the Cathedral from Monday-Saturday for tours, prayers or anyone walking by who needs a quick respite from the Miami heat.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • One recent Sunday evening, about 200 filled a Cincinnati church where preachers from several faith backgrounds urged them to demand his freedom.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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