Des"pot (?), n. [F. despote, LL. despotus, fr. Gr. master, lord, the second part of which is akin to 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 1913.