the political and social system of France before the revolution of 1789.
2.
the system of government during this period.
British Dictionary definitions for ancien régime
ancien régime
/ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim/
noun (pl) anciens régimes (ɑ̃sjɛ̃ reʒim)
1.
the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789
2.
a former or outdated regime
Word Origin
literally: old regime
Word Origin and History for ancien régime
ancien regime
n.
1794, from French ancien régime, literally "old rule," referring to the government and social order of France before the Revolution there. See ancient + regime.