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Webster 1913 Edition
Despot
Des′pot
,Noun.
[F.
despote
, LL. despotus
, fr. Gr. δεσπότησ
master, lord, the second part of which is akin to πόσισ
husband, and L. potens
. See Potent
.] 1.
A master; a lord; especially, an absolute or irresponsible ruler or sovereign.
Irresponsible power in human hands so naturally leads to it, that cruelty has become associated with
despot
and tyrant. C. J. Smith.
2.
One who rules regardless of a constitution or laws; a tyrant.
Webster 1828 Edition
Despot
DESPOT
,Noun.