Hetaeric

/hɛˈtɛərɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a hetaeria or to the bonds of companionship and political alliance that characterized such associations in ancient Greece.

Etymology

From 'hetaeria' plus the suffix '-ic.' This scholarly term appears in historical and classical studies to describe the political and social dynamics of ancient Greek companion groups.

Kelly Says

Hetaeric politics in ancient Athens foreshadowed modern political machines—small groups of loyal friends with shared interests organizing to gain power, and these ancient 'clubs' sometimes played as big a role in determining who governed as any election.

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