LANDED GENTRY Meaning and
Definition
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Landed gentry refers to a social class or group of individuals who possess substantial amounts of land and are traditionally considered to be members of the upper or upper-middle class in a society. This term emerged in medieval Europe where landownership held significant importance and conferred societal privileges and status.
The term "landed" in "landed gentry" pertains specifically to the ownership of land, usually in the form of large estates or manorial properties. Gentry, on the other hand, indicates individuals who belong to a hierarchical social order and possess a certain level of wealth and prestige.
The landed gentry often held considerable power and influence due to their ownership of vast estates, either through inheritance or acquisition. They were typically involved in agricultural pursuits, overseeing the running and management of their land and employing tenants or agricultural laborers to work for them.
Members of the landed gentry were usually granted certain legal, political, and social privileges. They often held positions of authority or held titles such as baron, lord, or knight. Their predominant role in the local communities involved leadership in public affairs, education, local governance, and military service.
The concept of landed gentry extended beyond Europe, as similar classes or groups, characterized by landownership and social standing, emerged in other regions and countries throughout history.
Today, the term "landed gentry" may still be used in specific contexts to describe individuals or families with substantial landholdings and inherited wealth, although its usage has become less prevalent in modern society.
Common Misspellings for LANDED GENTRY
- kanded gentry
- panded gentry
- oanded gentry
- lznded gentry
- lsnded gentry
- lwnded gentry
- lqnded gentry
- labded gentry
- lamded gentry
- lajded gentry
- lahded gentry
- lansed gentry
- lanxed gentry
- lanced gentry
- lanfed gentry
- lanred gentry
- laneed gentry
- landwd gentry
- landsd gentry
Etymology of LANDED GENTRY
The term "landed gentry" originated in England and combines two words: "landed" and "gentry".
1. Landed: The word "landed" refers to individuals who own or have inherited significant amounts of land. In this context, it specifically implies the ownership of land as a source of wealth and influence.
2. Gentry: The word "gentry" refers to a social class below the nobility but above the common people. Initially, it denoted a class of people who were wealthy landowners but did not hold titles of nobility. They enjoyed certain privileges and social status, often forming the local elite. The term "gentry" can be traced back to Old French ("genterie") and Latin ("gentilitas"), both meaning "noble birth" or "noble descent".
Similar spelling word for LANDED GENTRY
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