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aristocracy

Pronunciation: /ˌarɪˈstɒkrəsi/

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Definition of aristocracy

noun (plural aristocracies)

(usually the aristocracy) [treated as singular or plural]
  • the highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth holding hereditary titles and offices:members of the aristocracy
  • a form of government in which power is held by the nobility.
  • a state in which governing power is held by the nobility.
  • a group regarded as privileged or superior in a particular sphere:Britain’s pop aristocracy a new aristocracy of talented young people

Origin:

late 15th century: from Old French aristocratie, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos 'best' + -kratia 'power'. The term originally denoted the government of a state by its best citizens, later by the rich and well born, hence the sense 'nobility', regardless of the form of government (mid 17th century)

aristocracy in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of aristocracy in the US English dictionary

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