the three estates

• 指中世纪欧洲社会中的三个社会阶层或政治势力：第一等级为教士，第二等级为贵族，第三等级为平民。现代语境下也可指三种权力机构，或媒体、立法与司法系统。

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.

   三个等级

   • 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.

   三权

   • 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.