noun
great power and high status
Abstract noun referring to the combination of authority and elevated social rank. Mostly found in historical or literary contexts.
その時代、権貴を極めた者はごくわずかだった。
In that era, very few people attained great power and high status.
noun
person of power and status
Concrete noun for an individual who holds both authority and high rank. Also rare and literary.
彼は当時の権貴の一人として知られていた。
He was known as one of the powerful and high-ranking figures of the time.
Compound of 権 (authority, power) and 貴 (precious, noble). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of power and high status.