The term 'Despot of the Past' can be summarized by the crossword solution 'TSAR', which is a four-letter word. TSAR was the title of the monarchs of Russia from 1547 to 1917, and was used to refer to absolute rulers with great power and authority. The term is derived from the Latin word 'CAESAR', which was used to refer to Roman emperors. Tsars were often seen as despots, or tyrants, due to their authoritarian rule.