society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific classes of common people > [noun] > shopkeeper or tradesman > collectively (2)
business class1824
A class of society or a social grouping that is involved in or concerned with business; (in singular and plural) the members of such a class. Cf…
shopocracy1831
Shopkeepers as a class aspiring to social importance; a wealthy or influential body of shopkeepers.