monarchy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɒnəki/

noun (plural monarchies)

[mass noun]
  • a form of government with a monarch at the head.
  • [count noun] a state that has a monarch.
  • (the monarchy) the monarch and royal family of a country: the monarchy is the focus of loyalty and service

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French monarchie, via late Latin from Greek monarkhia 'the rule of one'