A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Policracie, n. [Late ME, e.m.E., MF, L. prefix poly- many, from the Gk. and e.m.E. -cracy, -cracie, -craty, F. -cracie, med. L. -cratia, rule, from the Gk., as in e.m.E. aristocracy, democracy etc.: cf. mod. Eng. polycracy (1836), e.m.E. polyarchy (1609), polygarchie (1643), id.] Government by many rulers. —1581 Burne Disput. 185 b.
Ane monstruous policracie of sa monie headis as thair be vsurpit ministeris
