Bu*reau"cra*cy (?), n. [Bureau + Gr. to be strong, to govern, strength: cf. F. bureaucratie.]
1.
A system of carrying on the business of government by means of departments or bureaus, each under the control of a chief, in contradiction to a system in which the officers of government have an associated authority and responsibility; also, government conducted on this system.
2.
Government officials, collectively.
© Webster 1913.