\Nep"o*tism\ (?; 277), n. [L. nepus, nepotus, nephew:
cf. F. n['e]potisme. 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.