Aristocracy

The powerful upper ranks of society, including earls, archbishops and some larger thegns in Anglo-Saxon England.

The wealthy and powerful upper ranks of society, whose influence usually depended on landholding, family connections and service to a ruler.

A privileged social group whose influence traditionally rested on noble birth, landownership and family connections.

Government by a privileged elite whose position rested particularly on noble birth and family status.

The high-ranking social class whose position and influence were often supported by inherited land and wealth.

The hereditary, usually landowning elite, often holding titles such as duke or earl.