helotry

[ hel-uh-tree, hee-luh- ]

noun

1. serfdom; slavery.
2. helots collectively.

helotry

/ ˈhiː-; ˈhɛlətrɪ /

noun

1. serfdom or slavery
2. serfs or slaves as a class

Word History and Origins

Origin of helotry¹

First recorded in 1820–30; Helot ( def ) + -ry

Example Sentences

But, after all, their state is a modern Sparta—an aristocracy resting on a helotry, and with nothing else to rest upon.

From Project Gutenberg

The State is but a gigantic Sparta, in which the helotry are marked by an indelible difference of color and race from the masters.

From Project Gutenberg

But, after all, their State is a modern Sparta—an aristocracy resting on a helotry, and with nothing else to rest upon.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be worth his while to keep his commercial helotry supplied with sceptical literature.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bondage
• captivity
• enslavement
• serfdom
• servitude
• subjugation