plutarchy
MEANING:
noun: 1. Rule by the wealthy. 2. A wealthy ruling class.
ETYMOLOGY:
The Greek biographer Plutarch (c. 46-120 CE) has no connection with this word. Rather, it's Ploutos, the god of riches in Greek mythology. The word (and its synonym plutocracy and the word plutolatry) are derived from Greek pluto- (wealth) + archos (ruler), from arkhein (to rule). Earliest documented use: 1643.
USAGE:
Whether we are all aware of it or not, our government has become a plutarchy over time.
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