The lesser nobility in France and (by extension) other European countries.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851), novelist. From French petite noblesse from petite, feminine of petit + noblesse.
Definition of petite noblesse in US English:
petite noblesse
nounpəˌtiːt nə(ʊ)ˈblɛs
The lesser nobility in France and (by extension) other European countries.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851), novelist. From French petite noblesse from petite, feminine of petit + noblesse.