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Hello and welcome to Your Greek Word On A Sunday, a weekly, bite-size podcast for anyone curious on language, etymology and connections. I am your host, Emmanuela Lia and wherever you are in the world, if you want to entertain your brain for a few minutes, this is the podcast for you. Let's Go! 

Δεσπόζω is an ancient Greek Verb, The adjective is Δεσποτικός and the noun Δεσπότης, meaning the absolute ruler of the land. The word didn't always have negative connotations , it was used for powerful people like the Pharaohs or the Emperors in the Byzantium and after 1453 when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople, it became a rank in the orthodox priesthood as well. The word came to English in the 16th century through France and the current use didn't start until two centuries later. Meaning a single, cruel, ruler. Δεσποτικός/Despotic

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