One rode without despot (4)
I believe the answer is:
nero
'despot' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'one rode without' is the wordplay.
'NERO' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nero that I've seen before include "Roman arsonist and fiddler" , "Ancient Roman emperor" , "Famous fiddler" , "Cruel Roman emperor" , "Emperor (who fiddled while Rome burned?) d. AD68" .)