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aristocracy

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

aristocracy

Main Entry:: ar·is·toc·ra·cy
Pronunciation:: \ˌa-rə-ˈstä-krə-sē, ˌer-ə-\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural ar·is·toc·ra·cies
Etymology:: Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos best + -kratia -cracy
Date:: 1561

1: government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class2 a: a government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified b: a state with such a government3: a governing body or upper class usually made up of a hereditary nobility4: the aggregate of those believed to be superior

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