noun
aristocracy
air-ih-STAH-kruh-see/ˌærɪˈstɑːkrəsi/
A privileged ruling class, usually with inherited rank.
The country's aristocracy holds much of the land surrounding the capital.
Etymology
“Rule of the best” became rule by people distinguished by rank and wealth. The name then shifted from their form of government to the hereditary noble class itself.
In context
The old aristocracy, previously dominant, now had to contend with a politically aware urban class
More examples
- The novel follows a family within the old aristocracy.
- Different aristocracies developed different rules of inheritance.
- The critic describes an aristocracy of wealthy cultural patrons.
Forms
aristocracy · aristocracies