What is the meaning of the word oligarchy?

Question

all etymology available would be helpful.

Answer 1

is a form of government where political power effectively rests with a small elite segment of society (whether distinguished by wealth, family, military powers or spiritual hegemony). The word oligarchy is translated into "rule by few." Compare with autocracy (rule by one person) and democracy (rule by the people).

Olig- generally used for a few (between mono and poly)

archy- state of rule

[Origin: 1570–80; < ML oligarchia < Gk oligarchía. See olig-, -archy]

Answer 2

"a political system governed by a few people,"

oligarchy Look up oligarchy at Dictionary.com:

    "1577, from M.Fr. oligarchie (14c.), from Gk. oligarkhia "government by the few," from oligoi "few, small, little" (of unknown origin) + arkhein "to rule.""

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term...

Answer 3

Rule by few! It's an ancient government method!

Answer 4

Oligarchy (Greek Ὀλιγαρχία, Oligarkhía) is a form of government where political power effectively rests with a small elite segment of society (whether distinguished by wealth, family, military powers or spiritual hegemony). The word oligarchy is translated into "rule by few." Compare with autocracy (rule by one person) and democracy (rule by the people).