I think the clergy or Serf Feudal class was not determined by birth.
The clergy
Medieval society was typically structured into three main classes: the nobility, the clergy, and the peasantry. The nobility held land and power, often serving as lords and knights, while the clergy managed religious affairs and provided spiritual guidance. The peasantry, which made up the majority of the population, worked the land and provided labor. Each class had distinct roles and responsibilities, contributing to the feudal system that characterized medieval life.
The feudal system was imposed on serfs (poor farmers) by Princes: the wealthy nobility.
Before the French Revolution, France was ruled by the absolute monarchy, with King Louis XVI as the reigning monarch until 1789. The government operated under a feudal system, where the king held centralized power, and governance was largely influenced by the clergy and the nobility. The Estates-General, a representative assembly of the three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners), had not been convened since 1614 until its calling in 1789, shortly before the revolution began.
The three social classes of the feudal system were the nobility (lords and ladies), the clergy (church officials), and the peasantry (serfs and commoners). Nobility held land and power, clergy held spiritual authority, and peasantry provided labor and goods.
I think the clergy or Serf Feudal class was not determined by birth.
The clergy
The three classes were the clergy (their duty was basically to pray), the nobility (their duty was to fight), and the serfs (they were to work).
The peasantry.
The peasantry.
Membership of the clergy was not determined by birth (although it would be rare for people from the lower classes to achieve high rank in the church).
Before the Age of Enlightenment, Europe's social structure was primarily hierarchical and based on the feudal system. Society was divided into three main classes: the nobility, clergy, and commoners (peasants and artisans). Power and wealth were concentrated in the hands of the nobility and clergy, with limited opportunities for social mobility.
The apothecary would typically fall within the merchant or tradesman class in the feudal hierarchy. They would be considered below the nobility and clergy but above the peasants and serfs in terms of social status and wealth.
The three estates were the clergy , nobility and the peasants/trades people, etc. Clergy - was the largest owner of the land - clergy was exempt from paying taxes to the state. Nobility- nobles further enjoyed feudal privileges and some privileges from birth. Peasants and trades people - peasants were obliged to render services to the lord, work in his house or fields, work in the army or to participate in building roads. They had to pay a number of taxes to the slay and to the church.
The feudal system was imposed on serfs (poor farmers) by Princes: the wealthy nobility.
The Carolinas. This system was feudal.