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n. pl. ar·is·toc·ra·cies 1. A hereditary ruling class; nobility. 2. a. Government by a ruling class. b. A state or country having this form of government. 3. a. 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. [Late Latin aristocratia, government by the best, from Greek aristokratiā : aristos, best; see ar- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + -kratiā, -cracy.] |
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