1. A form of government in which a monarch exercises absolute power without constitutional limits or legal restraints, ruling through force and arbitrary authority.
The despotic monarchy of 18th century Russia was characterized by the tsar's unchecked authority.
A monarquia despótica da Rússia do século XVIII era caracterizada pela autoridade ilimitada do tsar.
2. A political system where the monarch claims divine right to rule and subjugates the population through authoritarian means.
Many European nations transitioned away from despotic monarchy toward constitutional monarchy.
Muitas nações europeias transitaram de monarquias despóticas para monarquias constitucionais.