the three estates

• Término tradicional que designa los tres estamentos o grupos sociales del antiguo régimen europeo: clero, nobleza y pueblo llano. En contextos modernos puede referirse también a los tres poderes del Estado o a medios de comunicación, legislativo y judicial.

A traditional term referring to the three social classes or political powers in medieval European society: the clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and the commoners (Third Estate). In modern contexts, it can also refer to the three branches of government or the media, legislature, and judiciary.

1. Historical Social ClassesC1formalbritish

   The three traditional orders or classes in medieval European society: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners.

   los tres estamentos

   • In medieval France, the three estates were the clergy, the nobility, and the third estate.
   • The Estates-General was a meeting of the three estates.
   • The three estates had different privileges and responsibilities.

2. Modern Political ConceptC1formal

   In modern contexts, sometimes used to refer to the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

   los tres poderes

   • The three estates of government ensure a system of checks and balances.
   • The concept of the three estates is fundamental to modern democracy.
   • Each of the three estates has distinct powers and functions.