1. a system of serfdom or slavery in which a class of people is bound to the land and subject to a ruling class
Usage: historical; often used in reference to ancient Sparta or similar systems
2. the condition or status of being a helot; subjection to oppressive control
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The helotism practiced in ancient Sparta created a rigid social hierarchy.
• Historians debate the extent to which helotism differed from other forms of ancient slavery.
• The peasants lived under a system of helotism, bound to their lord's estate.
• Some scholars use helotism as a metaphor for modern economic exploitation.
• The abolition of helotism marked a significant shift in social structures.
• Ancient Greek city-states employed helotism to maintain control over conquered populations.