Dictionary entries for 'aristocracy'

Synonyms

ar·is·toc·ra·cy (ăŕĭ-stŏḱrə-sē)

[Late Latin aristocratia, government by the best, from Greek aristokratiā, aristos, best, + -kratiā, -cracy..]

noun: pl., -cies.

A hereditary ruling class; nobility.
1. Government by a ruling class.
2. A state or country having this form of government.
1. Government by the citizens deemed to be best qualified to lead.
2. A state having such a government.
A group or class considered superior to others.