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satrap Definition

sa·trap (sā′trap′, sa′-)

noun

  1. the governor of a province in ancient Persia
  2. a ruler of a dependency, esp. a despotic, subordinate official; petty tyrant

Etymology: ME < L satrapes < Gr satrapēs < OPers xšathrapāvan, lit., protector of the land < xšathra, dominion (< IE base *kthēi-, to gain dominion > Gr ktēma, possession) + *pā(y)-, to protect < IE base *pō(i)-, to herd sheep, protect, cover > OE fothor, sheath

satrap Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • Persian: Mausolus, a local Persian satrap, made Halicarnassus his capital.
  • local: Mausolus, a local Persian satrap, made Halicarnassus his capital.
  • other: Darius also has the support of other satraps such as his father Hystaspes.