Oligarchy \Ol"i*gar"chy\, n.; pl. {Oligarchies}. [Gr. ?;
'oli`gos few, little + 'a`rchein to rule, govern: cf. F.
oligarchie.]
A form of government in which the supreme power is placed in
the hands of a few persons; also, those who form the ruling
few.
[1913 Webster]
All oligarchies, wherein a few men domineer, do what
they list. --Burton.
[1913 Webster]