Aristocracies - Definitions from Dictionary.com

2 results for: Aristocracies

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

ar·is·toc·ra·cy

Audio Help [ar-uh-stok-ruh-see] Pronunciation Key

–noun, plural -cies.

1.	a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, esp. the hereditary nobility.

2.	a government or state ruled by an aristocracy, elite, or privileged upper class.

3.	government by those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.

4.	a governing body composed of those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.

5.	any class or group considered to be superior, as through education, ability, wealth, or social prestige.

[Origin: 1555–65; (< MF aristocratie) < ML aristocracia (var. of -tia) < Gk aristokratía rule of the best. See aristo-, -cracy

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Aristocracies

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

ar·is·toc·ra·cy Audio Help (ār'ĭ-stŏk'rə-sē) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. ar·is·toc·ra·cies

A hereditary ruling class; nobility.
1. Government by a ruling class.
2. A state or country having this form of government.
3. Government by the citizens deemed to be best qualified to lead.
4. A state having such a government.
1. Government by the citizens deemed to be best qualified to lead.
2. A state having such a government.
A group or class considered superior to others.

[Late Latin aristocratia, government by the best, from Greek aristokratiā : aristos, best; see ar- in Indo-European roots + -kratiā, -cracy.]

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