kugge

Kugge is a term that refers to the court nobility in the Kingdom of Sweden. The term is derived from the Swedish word "kugg", which means "elbow", and was originally used to describe the high-ranking officials who sat at the king's elbow during council meetings. Over time, the term came to encompass the entire court nobility, which included the king's family, close relatives, and other high-ranking officials.

The kugge played a significant role in Swedish history, particularly during the Vasa era, when they were instrumental in the political and religious reforms of the country. They were also known for their lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending, which often led to financial difficulties for the kingdom.

The kugge's influence began to decline in the 17th century, as the power of the monarchy and the nobility shifted. The kugge were eventually replaced by the higher nobility, who became the dominant political force in Sweden.

Today, the term "kugge" is used more broadly to refer to any group of influential people who surround a powerful individual or institution. It is often used in a derogatory sense to describe a group of people who are seen as being overly influential or corrupt.