patricians

Ancient elite class

Patricians were the hereditary aristocratic class of ancient Rome, distinguished from the common plebeians.

The term extends to any hereditary ruling elite or, more loosely, to people of refined breeding and high social standing: The old patricians of Boston society still gather at the club.

As an adjective, patrician describes aristocratic bearing or tastes: her patrician features, patrician sensibilities.

aristocracy

nobility

Titled ruling class

lineageDescent from progenitors
hereditaryPassed through generations
peerageSystem of noble ranks

gentry · blue-blooded · wellborn · highborn · titled · dynasties · pedigree · birthright · landed · estates

roman

senate

Legislative governing body

consulDiplomat in foreign city
plebeiansRoman lower classes
tribuneSpeaker's raised platform

republic · forum · togas · villas · optimates · censor · praetor · curia · gens · paterfamilias

influence

powerful

Having great strength

influentialHaving considerable effect
eliteSuperior select group
establishmentFounded organization or venue

dignitaries · notables · leadership · authority · prominent · ruling class · power brokers · kingmakers · insiders · connected

wealth

affluent

Having abundant financial resources

wealthyHaving abundant financial resources
plutocratsRulers through financial power
magnatesWealthy, powerful industrialists

oligarchs · tycoons · landowners · opulent · privileged · propertied · moneyed · capitalists · endowments · inheritance

patricians

nobility

senate

powerful

affluent

patricians

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Family