A: In the medieval period, English society was divided into three general categories, known as estates (a term which is derived from the Latin word status). These three estates consisted of the clergy (officials in the Christian Church), the nobility (those holding honorary titles, including members of the military), and the peasantry (or laborers who belonged neither to the clergy or nobility). Together, these three estates were meant to ensure that all members of the population could expect material
A: In the medieval period, English society was divided into three general categories, known as estates (a term which is derived from the Latin word status). These three estates consisted of the clergy (officials in the Christian Church), the nobility (those holding honorary titles, including members of the military), and the peasantry (or laborers who belonged neither to the clergy or nobility). Together, these three estates were meant to ensure that all members of the population could expect material