Defn: See Disport.
DESPOT
Des"pot, n. Etym: [F. despote, LL. despotus, fr. Gr. 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.
DESPOTAT
Des"po*tat, n. Etym: [Cf. F. despotat.]
Defn: The station or government of a despot; also, the domain of a despot. Freeman.
DESPOTIC; DESPOTICAL
Des*pot"ic, Des*pot"ic*al, a. Etym: [Gr. despotique.]
Defn: Having the character of, or pertaining to, a despot; absolute
in power; possessing and abusing unlimited power; evincing despotism;
tyrannical; arbitrary.
— Des*pot"ic*al*ly, adv.
— Des*pot"ic*al*ness, n.
DESPOTISM
Des"po*tism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. despotisme.]
1. The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute control over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny. "The despotism of vice." Byron.