ˌarə̇ˈstäkrəsē, -si also ˌer- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristo- + -kratia -cracy
1. : government by the best individuals or by a relatively small privileged class
2.
a. : a form of government in which the power is vested in a minority consisting of those felt to be best qualified to rule
b. : a state having such a government
3. : a governing body made up of those felt to be outstanding citizens, especially nobles or others of high rank : an upper class usually made up of an hereditary nobility : a patrician order
4. : the aggregate of those felt to be superior (as in rank, wealth, or intellect)