ˈsā.ˌtrap also ˈsa.ˌtrap, chiefly Brit ˈsa.trəp noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapēs, from Old Persian xshathrapāvan, literally, protector of the dominion, a compound whose first constituent is akin to Sanskrit kṣatra might, power, kṣayati he rules, and whose second constituent is akin to Sanskrit pāti he protects — more at check , fur
1.
a. : the governor of a province in ancient Persia
b. : the viceroy of a sovereign power
satraps who represented the king in Ireland — O.S.J.Gogarty
Soviet leaders and their East German satraps — Newsweek
2.
a. : one having authority
the satraps of Yale University saw nothing wrong in allowing one of its lecture halls to be used — American Mercury
b. : a subordinate often subservient official or supporter : henchman
political satraps who battled for senators in the legislature — W.A.White