At this William beckoned, with a despotic gesture, to the cab with one hand, and with the other he brought Katharine to a standstill.
"Night and Day"
Virginia Woolf
It is when men are shut out of the regions of manly thought, by a despotic government; when every grave and lofty theme is rendered perilous to discussion and almost to reflection; it is then that they turn to the safer occupations of taste and amusement; trifles rise to importance, and occupy the craving activity of intellect.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
The manufacture of this useful article had long been in few, and opulent hands; who, instead of making the humble bow, for favours received, acted with despotic sovereignty, established their own laws, chose their customers, directed the price, and governed the market.
"An History of Birmingham (1783)"
William Hutton