Nep"o*tism [L. nepus, nepotus, nephew: cf. F. n'epotisme. See Nephew.]
Undue attachment to relations; favoritism shown to members of one's family; bestowal of patronage in consideration of relationship, rather than of merit or of legal claim.
From nepotism Alexander V. was safe; for he was without kindred or relatives. But there was another perhaps more fatal nepotism, which turned the tide of popularity against him -- the nepotism of his order.
Milman.
© Webster 1913.