subs. phr. (literary).—The body of journalists; the ‘Press.’ [Literally the Fourth Estate of the realm, the other three being Queen, Lords, and Commons.]
1855. Notes and Queries. 1 S. xi., p. 452.
1857. J. E. RITCHIE, The Night Side of London, p. 202. Let me say a word about these exceedingly seedy-looking individuals connected with the FOURTH ESTATE.
