/tuy"reuhnt/ , n.
1. a sovereign or other ruler who uses power oppressively or unjustly.
2. any person in a position of authority who exercises power oppressively or despotically.
3. a tyrannical or compulsory influence.
4. an absolute ruler, esp. one in ancient Greece or Sicily.
[ 1250-1300; ME tirant tyrannus týrannos ]
Syn. 1. despot, autocrat, dictator.