a term sometimes used for an absolute prince: (see next article). The word, in its first origin, signified the same with the Latin herus, and the English master: but in time it underwent the same fate on medals, as, among the Latins, Caesar did with regard to Augustus: BACIAEYC answering to Augustus, and ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗΣ, despotes, to Caesar. See Caesar.

Thus, Nicephorus having ordered his son Stauracius to be crowned, the son, out of respect, would only take the name ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗΣ, leaving to his father that of ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ. 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 ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗΣ to that of ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ, particularly Constantine, Michael Ducas, Nicephorus Botoniates, Romanus Diogenes, the Comneni, and some others. In imitation of the princes, the princesses likewise assumed the title of ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΑ.

It was the emperor Alexius, surnamed the angel, that created the dignity of despot, and made it the first after that of emperor, above that of Augustus or Sebastocrator and Caesar. See August.

The despots were usually the emperor's 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. 58, describes the habits 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 emperor's 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.