Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Despotism \Des"po*tism\, n. [Cf. F. despotisme.]
   1. The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute
      control over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny. ``The
      despotism of vice.'' --Byron.

   2. A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic
      monarchy; absolutism; autocracy.

            Despotism . . . is the only form of government which
            may with safety to itself neglect the education of
            its infant poor.                      --Bp. Horsley.

Source : WordNet®

despotism
     n 1: dominance through threat of punishment and violence [syn: {absolutism},
           {tyranny}]
     2: a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute
        dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or
        opposition etc.) [syn: {dictatorship}, {absolutism}, {authoritarianism},
         {Caesarism}, {monocracy}, {one-man rule}, {shogunate}, {Stalinism},
         {totalitarianism}, {tyranny}]