aristocracy
[ ar-uh-stok-ruh-see ]
/ ˌær əˈstɒk rə si /
noun, plural ar·is·toc·ra·cies.
a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially the hereditary nobility.
a government or state ruled by an aristocracy, elite, or privileged upper class.
government by those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.
a governing body composed of those considered to be the best or most able people in the state.
any class or group considered to be superior, as through education, ability, wealth, or social prestige.
Origin of aristocracy
OTHER WORDS FROM aristocracy
an·ti·ar·is·toc·ra·cy, adjective, noun, plural an·ti·ar·is·toc·ra·cies. pro·ar·is·toc·ra·cy, adjectiveWords nearby aristocracy
aristide,
aristides,
aristippus,
aristo,
aristo-,
aristocracy,
aristocrat,
aristocratic,
aristolochiaceous,
aristophanes,
aristophanes of byzantium
Example sentences from the Web for aristocracy
British Dictionary definitions for aristocracy
aristocracy
/ (ˌærɪˈstɒkrəsɪ) /
noun plural -cies
a privileged class of people usually of high birth; the nobility
such a class as the ruling body of a state
government by such a class
a state governed by such a class
a class of people considered to be outstanding in a sphere of activity
Word Origin for aristocracy
C16: from Late Latin
aristocratia, from Greek
aristokratia rule by the best-born, from
aristos best; see
-cracy
Cultural definitions for aristocracy
aristocracy
A privileged, primarily hereditary ruling class, or a form of government controlled by such an elite.
notes for aristocracy
Traditionally, the disproportionate concentration of wealth, social
status, and political influence in the aristocracy has been resented by the
middle class and lower class.