Definition of aristocracy Aristocracy

/ɛˌɹʌstɑˈkɹʌsi/ - [erustakrusee] - ar•is•toc•ra•cy

We found 14 definitions of aristocracy from 7 different sources.

What does aristocracy mean?

Noun
aristocracy - a privileged class holding hereditary titles
		nobility
		elite, elite group a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
		noblesse members of the nobility (especially of the French nobility)
		baronage, peerage the peers of a kingdom considered as a group
		baronetage the state of a baronet
		knighthood aristocrats holding the rank of knight
		samurai feudal Japanese military aristocracy
aristocracy - the most powerful members of a society
		gentry
		upper class, upper crust the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy

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

aristocracy (n.)
Government by the best citizens.
aristocracy (n.)
A ruling body composed of the best citizens.
aristocracy (n.)
A form a government, in which the supreme power is vested in the principal persons of a state, or in a privileged order; an oligarchy.
aristocracy (n.)
The nobles or chief persons in a state; a privileged class or patrician order; (in a popular use) those who are regarded as superior to the rest of the community, as in rank, fortune, or intellect.

aristocracy
A class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, esp. the hereditary nobility.
aristocracy
The most powerful members of a society.

aristocracy
ar-is-tok′ras-i, n. government by the men of best birth or condition: political power of a privileged order: the nobility or chief persons of a state: the upper classes generally, also the persons noted for superiority in any quality, taken collectively—also Aristarch′y (rare).—n. Aristocrat (ar′is-to-krat, or ar-is′-), one who belongs to or favours an aristocracy: a haughty person.—adjs. Aristocrat′ic, -al, belonging to aristocracy: gentlemanly, stylish.—adv. Aristocrat′ically.—n. Aristocrat′ism. [Gr. aristos, best, and kratos, power.]

Aristocracy is a kind of government. In Ancient Greek, the word aristocracy means "the rule of the best". There are many different kinds of aristocracy with many different ways the government is set up. What all of them have in common is that a small group of people have the political and legal power over a larger group. In history, most aristocracies are hereditary. Members of the ruling group have been able to put their children in the ruling group. Aristocracy can be combined with other kinds of government.