n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a system of government by the whole population, usu. through elected representatives. b a State so governed. c any organization governed on democratic principles. 2 a classless and tolerant form of society. 3 US a the principles of the Democratic Party. b its members.
[ F démocratie f. LL democratia f. Gk demokratia f. demos the people + -CRACY ]