Draconian

Main Entry: dra·co·ni·an

Pronunciation: drA-'kO-nE-&n, dr&-

Function: adjective

Usage: often capitalized

Etymology: Latin Dracon-, Draco, from Greek DrakOn Draco (Athenian lawgiver)

Date: 1876

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him

2 : CRUEL; also : SEVERE