DESPOT, in Greek usage the master of a household, hence the ruler of slaves (Gr. SErnrOTrls, lord or master). It was also used by the Greeks of their gods, but was principally applied to the absolute monarchs of the Eastern empires, and it is in this sense that the word, like its equivalent "tyrant," is in current usage for an absolute sovereign whose rule is not restricted by any constitution. In the Roman empire of the East "despot" was used as a title of honour or address of the emperor, and later of his sons, brothers and sons-in-law. Later still it was adopted by the vassal princes of the empire. This gave rise to the name "despotats" applied to the tributary states which survived the break-up of the empire in Epirus, Cyprus, Trebezond, etc. Under Ottoman rule the title was preserved by the despots of Serbia, etc.