The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Absolutism \Ab"so*lu`tism\, n.
   1. The state of being absolute; the system or doctrine of the
      absolute; the principles or practice of absolute or
      arbitrary government; despotism.
      [1913 Webster]

            The element of absolutism and prelacy was
            controlling.                          --Palfrey.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Theol.) Doctrine of absolute decrees. --Ash.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

absolutism
    n 1: dominance through threat of punishment and violence [syn:
         absolutism, tyranny, despotism]
    2: a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute
       dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or
       opposition etc.) [syn: dictatorship, absolutism,
       authoritarianism, Caesarism, despotism, monocracy,
       one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism,
       tyranny]
    3: the principle of complete and unrestricted power in
       government [syn: absolutism, totalitarianism, totalism]
    4: the doctrine of an absolute being