With plural agreement. Persons who are great (in various senses); esp. with reference to social status, frequently in great and small (also small and…

In plural. Leading or prominent people in a community; nobles, notables. Obsolete.

(with plural agreement) distinguished and worthy people generally or collectively.

transferred and figurative.

With plural agreement. With the: those who are grand; eminent, fashionable, or wealthy people collectively.

figurative. In singular. A notable group of persons or things, esp. when seven in number.

Prominent or eminent persons; leading personages. Cf. prominent, n. 1a.

the behaviour or status of a tycoon or tycoons; a group of businessmen.