a term sometimes used for an absolute prince: (see the next article). The word, in its first origin, signified the same with the Latin heros, and the English master: but in time it underwent the same fate on medals, as, among the Latins, Caesar did with regard to Augustus; BACIAETC answering to Augustus, and AECIOTHETC, despotes, to Caesar. See Cæsar. Thus, Nicephorus having ordered his son Stauracius to be crowned, the son, out of respect, would only take the name AECIOTHETC, leaving to his father that of BACIAETC.

For it is to be noted, that it was just about the time that the emperors began to cease to use Latin inscriptions. This delicacy, however, did not last long; for the following emperors preferred the quality of AECIOTHETC to that of BACIAETC, particularly Constantine, Michael Ducas, Nicephorus Botoniates, Romanus Diogenes, the Comneni, and some others. In imitation: imitation of the princes, the princesses likewise assumed the title of ΔΕΩΤΟΝΑ.

It was the emperor Alexius, furred the Angel, that created the dignity of despot, and made it the first after that of emperor, above that of Augustus or Sebaftocrator and Cesar. See AUGUST.

The despots were usually the emperors sons or sons-in-law, and their colleagues or copartners in the empire, as well as their presumptive heirs. The despots that were sons of the emperors had more privileges and authority than those that were only sons-in-law. Codin. p. 38, describes the habit and ornaments of the despot. See the notes of father Goar on that author. Under the successors of Constantine the Great, the title despot of Sparta was given to the emperors son or brother, who had the city of Sparta or Lacedemon by way of appanage.

Despot is at present a title of quality given to Wallachia, Servia, and some of the neighbouring countries.