1. plural of aristocracy; systems of government ruled by a privileged upper class
2. plural of aristocracy; the upper classes or nobility of different societies

Examples

• European aristocracies held power for centuries before democratic revolutions.
• The aristocracies of different nations often intermarried to strengthen alliances.
• Ancient aristocracies based their authority on land ownership and hereditary titles.
• Many aristocracies were overthrown during periods of social upheaval.
• The wealth gap between aristocracies and common people sparked numerous revolts.
• Modern democracies replaced the aristocracies that once dominated political systems.