An archaic or alternative plural form of 'estate,' or in French historical contexts, the social classes or orders (as in Estates-General).
Old French and Middle English plural of 'estate.' In French history, 'états' refers to the three social orders (clergy, nobility, commons) represented in governmental assemblies.
The 'États-Généraux' (Estates-General) were called only when French kings desperately needed money—the three estates (clergy, nobles, and commoners) would meet, and this eventually sparked the French Revolution!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.