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DESPOTICAL

Volume 2 · 61 words · 1771 Edition

in general, denotes anything that is uncontrolled and absolute; but is particularly used for an arbitrary government, where the power of the prince is unlimited, and his will a law to his subjects: such are those of Turkey, Persia, and most of the eastern governments; and even those of Europe, if we except the republics, our own, and the Swedish government.