monarchy
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈmɒnəki//
- United States//ˈmɑnɚki//
- United States//ˈmɑˌnɑɹki//
A government in which sovereignty is embodied within a single, today usually hereditary head of state (whether as a figurehead or as a powerful ruler).
noun
- 1
A government in which sovereignty is embodied within a single, today usually hereditary head of state (whether as a figurehead or as a powerful ruler).
An absolute monarchy is a monarchy where the monarch is legally the ultimate authority in all temporal matters.
A constitutional monarchy is a monarchy in which the monarch's power is legally constrained, ranging from where minor concessions have been made to appease certain factions to where the monarch is a figurehead with all real power in the hands of a legislative body.
He that with ſhepheards and a litle ſpoyle, Durſt in diſdaine of wrong and tyrannie, Defend his freedome gainſt a Monarchie: What will he doe ſupported by a king?
- 2
The territory ruled over by a monarch; a kingdom.
What scourge for perjury / Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?
- 3
A form of government where sovereignty is embodied by a single ruler in a state and his high aristocracy representing their separate divided lands within the state and their low aristocracy representing their separate divided fiefs.
- 4
States based on a system of governance headed by a king or a queen.
Etymology
From Old French monarchie, from Late Latin monarchia, from Ancient Greek μοναρχία (monarkhía), from μόνος (mónos, “only”) + ἀρχή (arkhḗ, “power, authority”). By surface analysis, mon- (“one, single”) + -archy (“rule, command”).
Forms
- plural
- monarchies
monarchy · A government in which sovereignty is embodied within a single, today usually hereditary head of state (whether as a figurehead or as a powerful…
monastery · A residence for monks or others who have taken religious vows.Monday · The second day of the week in many religious traditions, and…Mondays · On Monday; each Monday.