kakocracy
English
Alternative forms
- cacocracy
Etymology
From Ancient Greek κακός (kakós, “bad”) + -cracy.
Noun
kakocracy (usually uncountable, plural kakocracies)
- (dated, uncommon) Rule or government by the worst of the people.
- 1845, "Topics of the Day," The Spectator, vol. 18, p. 205 (Google preview):
- [T]he degrading sentiments of the mere rabble are unblushingly avowed in their Legislature. The constitution of the United States seems on the eve of changing from a democracy—for demos elevates the whole people—to a kakocracy.
- 1890, Rev. J. C. Fernald, "Perils of the City," Statesman, vol. 7, p. 241 (Google preview):
- In other words, we have developed a kakocracy, or government by the worst.
- 1845, "Topics of the Day," The Spectator, vol. 18, p. 205 (Google preview):
Related terms
- kakocrat
- kakistocracy