aristocracy aristocracy /ˌɛrəˈstɑːkrəsi/

noun

1. () A privileged class holding hereditary titles  ( nobility , aristocracy )
   a privileged class holding hereditary titles
    In historical Europe, the aristocracy played a pivotal role in governance.
   In historical Europe, the aristocracy played a pivotal role in governance.
   
   
2. () The most powerful members of a society  ( aristocracy , gentry )
   the most powerful members of a society