Definition
1. an absolute sovereign , unlimited by law or constitution, (Herdotus Historicus), etc.: not applied to old hereditary sovereignties βασιλεῖαι); such as those of (Homer) or of Sparta; for the term rather regards the irregular way in which the power was gained , than the way in which it was exercised , being applied to the mild Pisistratus, but not to the despotic kings of Persia. However, the word soon came to imply reproach, like our tyrant , (Plato Philosophus), etc.
2. in a wider sense, the tyrant's son , or any member of his family , (Sophocles Tragicus):—;so, ἡ τύραννος was both the queen herself or a princess , (Euripides)
3. τύραννος, ον, as adjective kingly, royal , [variant datesTragica Adespota
4. imperious, despotic , (Thucydides); τύραννα δρᾶν (Sophocles Tragicus)
τύραννος is probably from same Root as κύριος, κοίρανος. (ML)
Usage patterns
Occurrences
- Acts 19:9Τυράννου · of TyrannusBut when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.