n. [ L. Helotes, Hilotae, pl., fr. Gr. E'e`lws and E'elw`ths a bondman or serf of the Spartans; so named from 'Elos, a town of Laconia, whose inhabitants were enslaved; or perh. akin to e`lei^n to take, conquer, used as 2d aor. of &unr_;. ] A slave in ancient Sparta; a Spartan serf; hence, a slave or serf. [ 1913 Webster ]

Those unfortunates, the Helots of mankind, more or less numerous in every community. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The condition of the Helots or slaves in Sparta; slavery. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The type genus of the Helotiaceae.
Syn. -- genus Helotium. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. The Helots, collectively; slaves; bondsmen. “The Helotry of Mammon.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]