Select groups (6)
I believe the answer is:
elites
'select groups' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for elites that I've seen before include "Privileged or exclusive groups" , "Groups enjoying superior status" , "Groups benefiting from some kind of superior status" , "Privileged or select groups" , "Privileged social groups, top people" .)