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Aristocracy is commonly misconceived as being plutocracy and wealth, when this isn't so. Albeit, it may be the case in the majority of situations, it isn't a steadfast rule regarding aristocracy.
The concept originally began in Athens and described natives who were first into battles. Bravery was highly regarded in Ancient Greece and the brave were ultimately considered to be the best.
Its meaning has changed overtime especially in the West, as aristocracy is more commonly considered the upper class and in Britain, "the Landed Gentry."
American aristocracy is slightly more diverse and includes Blue Bloods and Yankees from the Northeast who arrived in America early on in its relatively short history. It also incorporates the less well off South, the Confederates. To them an aristocrat would be someone who is related to a family member who fought in either/or the Civil and Revolutionary Wars.
Finally, it can also mean a person of elegance or a person of grace or can be used offensively to mean someone who is 'snobby.'
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