helotism

[ hel-uh-tiz-uhm, hee-luh- ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being a helot; serfdom.
2. Ecology. the subordinate organisms in an unequal symbiotic relationship.

helotism

/ ˈhiː-; ˈhɛləˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the condition or quality of being a Helot
2. a sociopolitical system in which a class, minority, nation, etc, is held in a state of subjection
3. zoology another name for dulosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of helotism¹

First recorded in 1815–25; Helot ( def ) + -ism

Example Sentences

A sad helotism, in which religion springs from the soil, instead of descending from heaven!

From Project Gutenberg

No sign of the times more plainly discovered the helotism to which the Restoration had condemned the young manhood of the epoch.

From Project Gutenberg

Drunken Helotism is not the only form of erring humanity capable of reading lessons to a republic.

From Project Gutenberg

Such of the Messenians as had not abandoned their country were reduced to Helotism.

From Project Gutenberg