Related to or having the characteristics of nobility, high social status, or an upper class of people with special privileges and power.
From Greek 'aristos' (best) and 'kratos' (power), literally 'rule by the best.' The word originally described governments run by the most noble or qualified people, but evolved to mean the noble class itself and their refined manner.
Here's something fascinating: the original Greek idea was that aristocracies were ruled by the 'best' people, but history shows that being born wealthy usually meant getting power, not actually being the smartest or most qualified! Most modern governments rejected aristocratic rule in favor of democracy.
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