timocracy

 
Pronunciation: /tɪˈmɒkrəsi/

noun (plural timocracies)

chiefly Philosophy
  • 1a form of government in which possession of property is required in order to hold office.
  • 2a form of government in which rulers are motivated by ambition or love of honour.

Derivatives

timocratic

Pronunciation: /-ˈkratɪk/
adjective

Origin:

late 15th century: from Old French timocracie, via medieval Latin from Greek timokratia, from timē 'honour, worth' + -kratia 'power'. timocracy (sense 1) reflects Aristotle's usage, timocracy (sense 2) Plato's