old dynasty loyalists; survivors of upheaval
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
surviving loyalists of the former dynasty; old adherents to a fallen regime
Historically refers to officials and scholars who remained loyal to the previous dynasty after a regime change, often carrying a nostalgic or conservative connotation.
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, many old loyalists of the previous regime still refused to cut their queues.
These remnants of the old regime spend all day longing for the glory and wealth of the past.
noun
elderly person who has lived through great social upheavals; old survivor of changing times
literaryLiterary usage. Refers broadly to elderly people who have witnessed major historical changes or societal transformations, not limited to political dynastic changes.
This elderly survivor of changing times lived through three dynasties and witnessed all the vicissitudes of human life.
The old survivors in the mountains all have white hair, speaking of the frequent wars of bygone days.