democracy

n.; pl. Democracies [ F. démocratie, fr. Gr. dhmokrati`a; dh^mos the people + kratei^n to be strong, to rule, kra`tos strength. ] 1. Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained and directly exercised by the people. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Government by popular representation; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but is indirectly exercised through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed; a constitutional representative government; a republic. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Collectively, the people, regarded as the source of government. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The principles and policy of the Democratic party, so called. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]