Question

1. What did the chair signify in
olden times?​

Answer 1

But the fashion for a new reclining culture (imported from the French court of the 18th century) helped to popularise their early use. For centuries before, chairs had persistently been associated with power, wealth and high status.

It is short answer

Answer 2

But the fashion for a new reclining culture (imported from the French court of the 18th century) helped to popularise their early use. For centuries before, chairs had persistently been associated with power, wealth and high status. They were about as widely used by the peasantry as a crown.