satrap
noun/ˈseɪtɹæp/ · /ˈsæt.ræp/
Etymology From Middle English satrape, from Latin satrapēs (“governor”), from Ancient Greek σατράπης (satrápēs), from Old Median *xšaθrapāvan (literally “kingdom-protector”), which is cognate with Old Persian 𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎱𐎠𐎺𐎠 (xšaçapāvā); see there for more.
1
Historical A governor of a Persian province.
- Eunuchs were chiefly employed in the harems of the king, and his satraps.1922, Maneckji Nusservanji Dhalla, Zoroastrian Civilization, page 222:
2
Derogatory, Figuratively A subordinate ruler.
- Hey, sir? Sir, excuse me?” The blonde was calling out to him, in imperious tones that insisted on a reply. Her satraps became watchful, like a Praetorian guard.2001, Salman Rushdie, Fury: A Novel, London: Jonathan Cape, →ISBN, page 4:
- Backed by an expansive and brutal security system, Mr. Lukashenko shows no sign of losing his grip at home, if at the cost of becoming Mr. Putin’s enfeebled satrap.2022 February 19, Andrew Higgins, “Once He Kept Russia at a Distance. Now He Is a Docile Putin Satrap.”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
- Related terms
- kshatriya