helotry

/ˈhɛlətri/
noun
  1. The class of helots collectively; the body of serfs in ancient Sparta.
    • The helotry made up the majority of the population in Laconia.
    • The helotry was forced to provide food and labor for the Spartan state.
    • Spartan citizens lived in constant fear of a revolt by the helotry.
  2. A state or condition of being a helot; servitude or bondage.
    • The conquered people were reduced to helotry by the invading army.
    • The novel explores the psychological effects of helotry on the human spirit.
    • He described his years in the sweatshop as a form of helotry.
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