satrap · /ˈsatrap/ · /SA-trap/. noun. A ruler, particularly one who rules tyrannically or in ostentatious splendor. From Old Persian kšatra-pāvan (protector of the country), from kšatra (realm, country) + pāvā (protector). Ultimately from PIE root pa- (to feed; to guard, protect). See also: satrapal, satrapic.
“Just make him seem like any other grasping satrap, Onkel. You know, creating difficulties, whining about resources. The bloom’ll soon go off him.” (Martin Amis)
“Trimming history to fit present needs is an iron rule of all satraps.” (Wisława Szymborska)
“His satraps in the ‘alternative fact’ industry took their cues from him to rest easy in a warm bubble bath of denialism.” (David Remnick)
“Then came the morning walk, slaloming among the strollers. They appeared in clusters, as if by prior accord: fat white babies lounging like satraps in conveyances of aluminum, canvas, and elastic.” (Garth Hallberg)