aristocracy Definition

aristocracy
noun aristocracies

1. The highest social class, usually owning land and having titles; the nobility.

Thesaurus: nobility, gentry, upper class, ruling class, patricians, elite, gentility, upper crust, top drawer.
2a. This class as a ruling body;
2b. Government by this class;
2c. A country or state that is governed by this class.
3. People considered to be the best representatives of something.

Example: The French have long been considered the aristocracy of art cinema

Etymology: 16c: from Greek aristos best + -cracy.