In French administrative tradition, the system of promotion based on length of service or seniority rather than merit or ability.
From French 'ancien' (ancient, old) + '-ete' (suffix forming nouns of quality/state). The term reflects the French administrative principle where years of service determine advancement.
France's 'anciennete' system meant that the longest-serving official got promoted regardless of talent—sometimes brilliant younger workers had to wait decades while less-skilled seniors moved up, which actually became controversial even in France itself!
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