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polyarchy

noun
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poly·​ar·​chy | \ -kē \
plural -es

Definition of polyarchy

1 : government by many persons : control of especially political leaders by their followers — compare hierarchy
2 : a group of many kingdoms filled Europe with a colorful polyarchy of innumerable tribes— D. C. Peattie

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History and Etymology for polyarchy

Greek polyarchia, from polyarchos ruling over many (from poly- + archos ruler) + -ia -y

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Cite this Entry

“Polyarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyarchy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

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