dra ‧ co ‧ ni ‧ an /drəˈkəʊniən $ -ˈkoʊ-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1800-1900 ; Language: Greek ; Origin: Drakon 'Draco' , ancient Greek judge who had criminals killed for very small crimes ]
very strict and cruel
draconian measures/controls/penalties etc
draconian measures to control population growth