Inflected forms: pl. ar·is·toc·ra·cies 1. A hereditary ruling class; nobility. 2a. Government by a ruling class. b. A state or country having this form of government. 3a. Government by the citizens deemed to be best qualified to lead. b. A state having such a government. 4. A group or class considered superior to others.
ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin aristocratia, government by the best, from Greek aristokrati : aristos, best; see ar- in Appendix I + kratos, power; see –cracy.
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: aristos, best; see ar- in Appendix I + kratos, power; see –cracy.
