aristocracy
Aristocracy is defined as a ruling class made up of people with royal blood, or is a government of collected people who are thought to be exceptional in some way, and therefore the most qualified to rule.
(noun)An example of an aristocracy is Britain’s Royal family.Another example of an aristocracy is the Kennedy family in the United States.
The definition of aristocracy is a group of people who feel they are above others.
(noun)An example of an aristocracy are some of the actors and actresses in Hollywood.
See aristocracy in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun pl. aristocracies
- Historical government by the best citizens
- government by a privileged minority or upper class, usually of inherited wealth and social position
- a country with this form of government; oligarchy
- a privileged ruling class; nobility
- those considered the best in some way: an aristocracy of scientists
- aristocratic quality or spirit
Origin: L aristocratia < Gr aristokratia < aristos, best + -kratia, rule < kratos, power, rule: see hard
See aristocracy in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. ar·is·toc·ra·cies
- A hereditary ruling class; nobility.
- a. Government by a ruling class.b. A state or country having this form of government.
- a. Government by the citizens deemed to be best qualified to lead.b. A state having such a government.
- A group or class considered superior to others.
Origin:
Origin: Late Latin aristocratia, government by the best
Origin: , from Greek aristokratiā
Origin: : aristos, best; see ar- in Indo-European roots
Origin: + -kratiā, -cracy.
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