The aristocracy (from Greek ἀριστοκρατία aristokratía, "rule of the best"; Latin: aristocratia) is historically associated with a "hereditary" or a "ruling" social class. In many states, the aristocracy included the upper class with hereditary rank and titles. They are usually below only the monarch of a country or nation in its social hierarchy.
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0 Maincy - Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (2).JPG
The south facade of the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte seen from the "Rond d'eau" - Maincy (Seine-et-Marn...
George, 2nd Earl Harcourt, his wife Elizabeth, and brother William.jpg
By Sir Joshua Reynolds
Sir Joshua Reynolds - The Ladies Waldegrave - Google Art Project.jpg
The daughters of the 2nd Earl Waldegrave:
Lady Elizabeth (1760-1816)
Lady Charlotte (1761-1808)
La...