ancien régime

 
Pronunciation: /ˌɒ̃sɪã reɪˈʒiːm, ɑ̃sjɛ̃ ʀeʒim/

noun (plural anciens régimes pronunc. )

  • a political or social system that has been displaced by another: the feudal institutions of the ancien régime began to be dismantled
  • (Ancien Régime) the political and social system in France before the Revolution of 1789.

Origin:

French, literally 'old rule'