1. plural of helot; members of a serf or slave class in ancient Sparta, bound to the land and owned by the state.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to Spartan helots
2. any person in a condition of servitude or bondage; a serf or slave.
Usage: figurative or literary

Examples

• The helots of ancient Sparta were forced to work the land for their Spartan masters.
• Historians debate the exact legal status and treatment of helots in Spartan society.
• Unlike chattel slaves, helots could not be bought or sold individually.
• The helots occasionally rebelled against their oppressive conditions.
• In a figurative sense, the workers felt like helots under the harsh factory regime.
• The subjugation of helots was fundamental to the Spartan military and economic system.