longue durée

noun3

1. •
   A long period of time during which social processes develop or social structures evolve.
2. •
   The long term; a relatively long period of time.

   • The longue duree of river and rocks throws into relief the trivial pursuits of the dying man whose last thoughts are of a briefer time span. — 1976
3. •
   An approach to the study of history over such long periods.