the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A form of government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of the wealthy classes; government by the rich; also, a controlling or influential class of rich men.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. Government by the wealthy class; the rule of wealth; also, a class ruling by virtue of its wealth. Also plutarchy.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a political system governed by the wealthy people
Word Usage
"Bury The term plutocracy is generally used to describe these two distinct concepts: one of a historical nature and one of a modern political nature."