timocracy

Meaning

Noun

• A form of government in which ambition for honor, power and military glory motivates the rulers.
• A form of government in which civic honor or political power increases with the amount of property one owns.

Origin

• 1580s, from Middle French tymocracie, from Medieval Latin (13th century) timocratia, from Ancient Greek τῑμοκρατίᾱ, from τῑμή + -κρατίᾱ, from κρατέω (see -cracy).