first estates

noun

plural of first estate
as in clergies
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 estates
churches
Noun
  • What Wagner experienced with her shrinking congregation is arguably the most urgent challenge facing churches across America.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Abby Beck previously explained that state law already limits how close video gambling can be to schools and churches, but that the city could add places like parks to the list.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of churches
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.

Browse Nearby Words

first estate
first estates
firsthand
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Cite this Entry

“First estates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estates. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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