n. (Mach.) a mechanical damping device containing a piston that moves in a fluid-filled chamber to serve as a pneumatic or hydraulic cushion for a falling weight, as in the valve gear of a steam engine, to prevent shock. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]

☞ It consists of a chamber, containing air or a liquid, in which a piston (a), attached to the weight, falls freely until it enters a space (as below the openings, b) from which the air or liquid can escape but slowly (as through cock c), when its fall is gradually checked. [ 1913 Webster ]

A cataract of an engine is sometimes called a dashpot. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. despote, LL. despotus, fr. Gr. despo`ths master, lord, the second part of which is akin to po`sis husband, and L. potens. See Potent. ] 1. A master; a lord; especially, an absolute or irresponsible ruler or sovereign. [ 1913 Webster ]

Irresponsible power in human hands so naturally leads to it, that cruelty has become associated with despot and tyrant. C. J. Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who rules regardless of a constitution or laws; a tyrant. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. despotat. ] The station or government of a despot; also, the domain of a despot. Freeman.

{ } a. [ Gr. despotiko`s: cf. F. despotique. ] Having the character of, or pertaining to, a despot; absolute in power; possessing and abusing unlimited power; evincing despotism; tyrannical; arbitrary. -- Des*pot"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Des*pot"ic*al*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic monarchy; absolutism; autocracy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Despotism . . . is the only form of government which may with safety to itself neglect the education of its infant poor. Bp. Horsley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A supporter of despotism. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To act the despot. [ 1913 Webster ]