Spartiate

[ spahr-tee-eyt, -shee- ]

noun

1. a member of the ruling class of ancient Laconia; a Spartan citizen. Compare Helot ( def 1 ), Perioeci.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spartiate¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin Spartiātēs < Doric Greek Spartiā́tēs, equivalent to Spartiā́ ( s ) of Sparta + -tēs personal noun suffix

Example Sentences

A vast volume of mingled smoke and flame and steam rose up, and when it rolled away, the Spartiate had almost vanished.

From Project Gutenberg

Nelson's own ship, the Vanguard, was the first to anchor within half-pistol-shot of the third French ship, the Spartiate.

From Project Gutenberg

They labored for a Spartiate proprietor who took from them the greater part of the harvest.

From Project Gutenberg

A Spartiate poet compares the Helots to "loaded asses stumbling under their burdens and the blows inflicted."

From Project Gutenberg

In a matter of life and death, then, it was necessary that a Spartiate be as good as ten Helots.

From Project Gutenberg