\Ol"i*gar"chy\, n.; pl. {Oligarchies}. [Gr. ?; ? few,
little + ? 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.
      All oligarchies, wherein a few men domineer, do what
      they list.                               --Burton.