Where does “despota” come from?

despota (Medieval Latin) comes from Ancient Greek δεσπότης, from Proto-Hellenic *déspotis.

Ancestry of “despota”, step by step

Step	Language	Word	Meaning
1	Ancient Greek	δεσπότης	master, lord; ruler, despot; generally: owner
2	Proto-Hellenic	*déspotis	—

despota — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer