The term 'minor despot' refers to a ruler who has limited power and authority, usually in a small region. The two crossword solutions for this term are 'warlord' (7 letters) and 'SATRAP' (6 letters). A warlord is a military leader who exercises control over a region or people through force. A SATRAP is a governor of a province in ancient Persia who was appointed by the king and had absolute power over the region.