Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DES-POT'IC, or DES-POT'IC-AL, a.

1. Absolute in power; independent of control from men, constitution, or laws; arbitrary in the exercise of power; as, a despotic prince.
2. Unlimited or unrestrained by constitution, laws, or men; absolute; arbitrary; as, despotic authority or power. – Addison. Swift.
3. Tyrannical.