An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A combining form occurring in loanwords from Greek with the meaning “rule, government, governing body.” → theocracy.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. -cratie, from M.L. -cratia, from Gk. -kratia “power, might; rule; authority,” from kratos “strength,” from PIE *kre-tes- “power, strength,” suffixed form of root *kar-/*ker- “→ hard.” “hard.”

Etymology (PE): From sâlâr “leader, chieftain, commander;” Mid.Pers. sâlâr “leader, master;”
variant of sardâr “commander, chief, general,” from sar “chief, → head,” + dâr “having, possessor,” from dâštan “to have, to possess,” Mid.Pers. dâštan; O.Pers./Av. root dar- “to hold, keep back, maintain, keep in mind;” Skt. dhr-, dharma- “law;”
Gk. thronos “elevated seat, throne;” L. firmus “firm, stable;” Lith. daryti “to make;” PIE *dher- “to hold, support.”