squiraltyn.
/ˈskwʌɪərəlti/ 1. The existence of squires as an institution.
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society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] > squire or laird > as an institution
squiraltyc1856
c1856 Denham Tracts (Folk Lore Soc.) I. 332 It seems to have referred to the golden age of squirealty.
2. The body or class of squires.
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society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] > squire or laird
lairdc1379
esquire1600
squire1676
squirearch1832
squiralty1886
1886 J. Ruskin Præterita I. xi. 351 As a rule, the best of her [i.e. England's] squirealty, passed necessarily through Christ Church.
3. The position or status of a squire.
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society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] > squire or laird > state of being a squire
squireship1614
squiredom1650
squirehooda1680
squirism1819
squirearchy1854
squiralty1888
1888 ‘P. Cushing’ Blacksmith of Voe I. v. 144 It..went with the hall, and the crest,..and other notes of squiralty.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1915; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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n.c1856