satrap

noun

1. a governor of a province under the ancient Persian monarchy.
2. a subordinate ruler, often a despotic one.

noun

1. (in ancient Persia) a provincial governor
2. a subordinate ruler, esp a despotic one

n.late 14c., “governor of a province of ancient Persia,” from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapes, from Old Persian xšathrapavan-, literally “guardian of the realm,” from xšathra- “realm, province” (related to xšayathiya “king,” cognate with Sanskrit kshatra; cf. shah) + pavan- “guardian,” from PIE *pa- “to protect, feed” (see food). Related: Satrapy.