The aristocracy is historically associated with "hereditary" or "ruling" social class. In many states, the aristocracy included the upper class of people with hereditary rank and titles. In some, such as ancient Greece, ancient Rome, or India, aristocratic status came from belonging to a military caste.

What does aristocratic mean?

1 : belonging to, having the qualities of, or favoring aristocracy an aristocratic family aristocratic titles. 2a : socially exclusive an aristocratic neighborhood. b : snobbish. 3 : notably superior or excellent In season she does an aristocratic lobster and asparagus salad with curry oil.

What are examples of aristocratic?

The Brahman caste in India, the Spartiates in Sparta, the eupatridae in Athens, the patricians or Optimates in Rome, and the medieval nobility in Europe are various historical examples of the social aristocracy or nobility. Most such social aristocracies both legally and factually have been hereditary aristocracies.