General Question

occ's avatar

Where does the term "fourth estate" come from?

Asked by occ (4179points) March 6th, 2007
it's often used to refer to journalism or the journalist world---wondering where the term came from, and if there is a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd estate?
Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

4 Answers

Modern_Classic's avatar
Very OED. I thought it had to do with 1=Executive Branch, 1=Legislature, 3=Judiciary, 4=Free Press. I think I had social studies teacher in 7th grade who said that. Made sense to me.
frydeyes's avatar
french revolution -1st,2nd,3rd,estates government -press important enough to be 4th-if my memory serves

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther