Plural of demos; multiple groups of common people or ordinary citizens, especially in ancient Greek society.
From Greek demos (people, populace). In ancient Athens, the demos referred to ordinary citizens as opposed to the aristocracy, and the plural form demoses applies this to multiple groups.
The word 'demos' is where we get 'democracy' (rule by the people)—the ancient Greeks were literally trying to give power to the demoses instead of letting kings or nobles rule alone.
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