δεσπότης The latter part -πότης is prob. from same Root as πόσις, and Lat. potis, potior: the syll. δεσ- is uncertain. a master, lord, the master of the house, Lat. herus, dominus, Aesch., etc.; properly in respect of slaves, so that the address of a slave to his master was ὦ δέσποτʼ ἄναξ or ὦναξ δέσποτα Ar. of Oriental rulers, a despot, absolute ruler, whose subjects are slaves, Hdt., Thuc.; the pl. is used by Poets of single persons, like τύραννοι, Aesch. of the gods, Eur., Xen. generally, an owner, master, lord, κώμου, Aesch., Soph.