nepotism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)

WordNet

Nep"o*tism noun
Etymology
L. nepus, nepotus, nephew: cf. F. népotisme. See Nephew.
Definitions
  1. 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.
    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.

Webster 1913