1. A form of government in which power rests with a small number of people, often distinguished by birth, wealth, education, corporate, religious, political, or military control
The aristocracy ruled the kingdom for centuries.
A aristocracia governou o reino durante séculos.
2. The group of people constituting the ruling class of an aristocratic form of government; the nobility or upper class
The aristocracy opposed the democratic reforms.
A aristocracia se opôs às reformas democráticas.
3. A privileged group regarded as the most talented or best in some field
The aristocracy of the business world.
A aristocracia do mundo dos negócios.