nepotism

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Nepotism \Nep"o*tism\ (?; 277), n. [L. nepus, nepotus, nephew: cf. F. n['e]potisme. See Nephew.] Undue attachment to relations; favoritism shown to members of one's family; bestowal of patronage in consideration of relationship, rather than of merit or of legal claim. [1913 Webster]

From nepotism Alexander V. was safe; for he was without kindred or relatives. But there was another perhaps more fatal nepotism, which turned the tide of popularity against him -- the nepotism of his order. --Milman. [1913 Webster]

The Devil's Dictionary

NEPOTISM, n. Appointing your grandmother to office for the good of the party.
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