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Definition 2024

despotate ‎(plural despotates)

An area ruled by a despot (δεσπότης) in the late Byzantine Balkans (12th to 15th centuries).
- 1974, Vladimir Dedijer, History of Yugoslavia, page 129:
  Even before the great sultan Mehmed II, known as El Fatih (the Conqueror), took power in Turkey, the Serbian despotate had become the booty of the invaders.