Nep″o‐tism (?; 277), n. [L. nepus, nepotus, nephew: cf. F. népotisme. 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.
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.