1. Plural of hetairism; a social or political system based on companionship or fellowship among equals, particularly in ancient Greece.
Usage: historical; academic
2. Plural of hetairism; in anthropology, a form of social organization emphasizing bonds between unrelated individuals or groups.
Usage: anthropological; academic

Examples

• Ancient Greek hetairisms fostered strong bonds among male citizens.
• Scholars debate the role of hetairisms in early democratic societies.
• The hetairisms of classical Athens influenced later political philosophy.
• Anthropologists study hetairisms as alternatives to kinship-based organization.