timocracy

[ tahy-mok-ruh-see ]

noun

, plural ti·moc·ra·cies.

1. a form of government in which love of honor is the dominant motive of the rulers.
2. a form of government in which a certain amount of property is requisite as a qualification for office.

timocracy

/ ˌtaɪməˈkrætɪk; taɪˈmɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. a political unit or system in which possession of property serves as the first requirement for participation in government
2. a political unit or system in which love of honour is deemed the guiding principle of government

Derived Forms

• timocratic, adjective

Other Words From

• ti·mo·crat·ic [tahy-m, uh, -, krat, -ik], timo·crati·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of timocracy¹

First recorded in 1580–90; earlier timocratie, from French or directly from Greek tīmokratía, equivalent to tīmo- (combining form of tīmḗ “honor, worth”) + -kratia combining form meaning “government”; -cracy

Word History and Origins

Origin of timocracy¹

C16: from Old French tymocracie, ultimately from Greek timokratia, from timē worth, honour, price + -cracy

Example Sentences

Out of this timocracy, or timarchy, the city will next pass into an oligarchy, or government of wealth.

From Project Gutenberg

Timocracy, therefore, almost invariably paved the way to democracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet the question might be asked, under what category we would place the timocracy, or government of the rich.

From Project Gutenberg

First below that comes timocracy, or the government of those who are ambitious for power and place.

From Project Gutenberg

Between the Eupatrid oligarchy and the rule of Peisistratus there comes the timocracy of Solon.

From Project Gutenberg