I have no idea what the context is of your question and you really need to include it. But given the content of the question I can surmise with near certainty that someone or some group threatened their traditional power and authority.
They are made of dirt.
nobles & clergy
The House of Lords included members of nobility and clergy.
House of Lords
clergy, nobles, and commoners
The Clergy,and the Nobles
Around 80%
The four estates of France were the : nobles clergy middle class peasants The press took to calling themselves the fifth estate'
first second and third
had more money tho
The term you're referring to is likely "the estate system," which was prominent in medieval and early modern Europe. In this system, society was divided into three main estates: the nobility, the clergy, and the commoners. The nobles held land and power, while the clergy were responsible for spiritual and religious matters. Together, the nobles and clergy formed the upper echelons of society, often influencing governance and social order.
The peasants.