Estate, n. , 6. 9. The principal persons in a government. The bold design Pleased highly those infernal states . A form of government which is not monarchial, as a republic. Well monarchies may own religion's name, But states are atheists in their very fame.
Municipal law is a rule of conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state .
The Puritans in the reign of Mary, driven from their homes, sought an asylum in Geneva, where they found a state without a king, and a church without a bishop. See under Nascent. See Secretary, n. , 3. It has been a question as to what rights have been vested in the general government. See under Ecclesiastical.