Aristocracy

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˌæ.ɹɪˈstÉ’k.ɹə.si/

Origin

From Old French aristocracie, from Medieval Latin *aristocracia, from Ancient Greek άριστοκρατία (aristokratia, "the rule of the best"), from ἄριστος (áristos, "best, noblest") + -κρατία, from κράτος (kratos, "power, rule")

Full definition of aristocracy

Noun

1. The nobility, or the hereditary ruling class
2. Government by such a class, or a state with such a government
3. A class of people considered (not normally universally) superior to others

Related terms

Derived terms

• bunyip aristocracy