Definition of "draconian"

The conflict in the countryside resulted in a far more draconian punishment. The Southern Cross flag flew over the camps of striking shearers, who in revenge for their victimisation burned grass, fences, buildings and even riverboats […]

2009, Stuart Macintyre, A Concise History of Australia, page 125

Perhaps lessons had already been learned from the Draconian infrastructure cuts on the Waterloo-Exeter route.

2020 April 8, Howard Johnston, “East-ended? When the ECML was at risk”, in Rail, page 65

And that movement, while it was eventually crushed through the extensive use of the draconian lese majeste law, shattered the taboo, by calling openly, for the first time, for the powers and financing of the monarchy to be accountable.

2023 May 8, Jonathan Head, “Thailand election: The young radicals shaking up politics”, in BBC News (World)‎

The dragon came low to the earth. It defied every image of a draconian being Kulp had ever seen.

2006, Steven Erikson, Deadhouse Gates, Book Two, page 384

A large sandwyrm (which isn't to be confused with a sandworm) popped its draconian head from the earth.

2009, Jacob Silvia, Qhoenix, page 73