Estates of the Realm

In England, nobles, clergy, and commons. In Scotland, prior to 1707, Parliament. Sweden had four estates until 1865 (the commons being divided into bourgeoisie and peasantry), each separately organized; since 1865 it has but two legislative bodies. Both term and thing are an inheritance from feudalism. In England, the term Fourth Estate sometimes designates the Pre , because of its influence on public affairs. E en. a region of coal-mines, and is best known as the site of Krupp's great iron and steel works. Pop., 1890, 78,723.