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Glite Dictionary
squirearchy

squirearchy

9.9
A group of country landowners who form the local ruling class
  • noun
  • /ˈskwʌɪərki/
  • Archaic
translation icon : gentry
  • Victorian novels often depict the squirearchy as guardians of tradition and local power.

Examples

  • The influence of the squirearchy was evident in rural political decisions of the 18th century.

  • He criticized the squirearchy for resisting social reforms that would benefit the poor.

  • The local squirearchy holds significant influence in rural politics.

  • Many members of the squirearchy own large estates.

  • The squirearchy held great influence over local politics and land management.

  • Many members of the squirearchy enjoyed a life of leisure, attending social events and managing their estates.

  • The squirearchy often gathered at the manor for meetings to discuss community affairs.

Synonyms

gentry
vssquirearchy
14 8.4

People of high social rank, often landowners below the nobles

is specifically the rural ruling group rather than the broader upper ranks
landed gentry
vssquirearchy
  • UK
2 9.3

People who own land and live on rent from it

emphasizes social power in countryside communities rather than income source

Surface Forms

squirearchy singular
squirearchies plural

Morphology

squirearchy = squire (transparent) = squire + archy

Formed from 'squire' + '-archy' meaning rule/collective of squires, so the components directly indicate a class of squires.

Etymology

Squirearchy joins squire, a country gentleman or landowner, and the ending -archy, which means 'rule' and appears in monarchy. So, squirearchy names the class of country gentlemen who together 'rule' or control rural life.