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History vocabulary · Social History

Sumptuary law

Meaning in history, with examples

nounCommon term

In history, sumptuary law means: A historical rule restricting dress, consumption or display, often according to rank or social status.

In Turkish: tüketim ve gösterişi sınırlayan yasa

How it is used

Use for regulated consumption; the existence of a rule does not prove consistent enforcement.

Example sentences

  1. The sumptuary law reserved certain fabrics for people of high rank.

    Material display becomes a way to mark social boundaries.

  2. Repeated proclamations suggest that the sumptuary law was difficult to enforce.

    Repeated legislation may reveal resistance rather than obedience.

Common collocations

  • enforce a sumptuary law
  • sumptuary restrictions
  • social classA group of people in a society who share a similar economic position, such as wealth, occupation or education, and often similar status and opportunities.
  • aristocracyThe highest social class in many societies, made up of noble families who usually held inherited titles, land and political influence.

More terms: Social History

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