nepotism

[Lat. nepos (gen it. nepotis )=(1) a grandson, (2) a nephew; Eng. suff. ism. In Ger. nepotism us; Fr. népotisme; Ital. nepotismo, in special sense 1, see below.] *1. Fondne for nephews. 2. Pronene on the part of the popes and other high ecclesiastics of the Church of Rome to heap wealth upon their nephews, not having children of their own to inherit any property they may have acquired. "To this humour of nepotism Rome owes its present splendour."- Add is on : In Italy . 3. The vice among public officials who hold offices having patronage, of appointing their own relatives to situations of emolument in disregard of the claims of others better fitted for the offices; favor it ism toward one's relations.