Hetairist

/hɛˈtɛərɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who practices or advocates hetairism; a member of an elite military or political brotherhood in ancient Greece.

Etymology

From hetairism + -ist (one who practices or believes in). Formed by adding the agent noun suffix to the practice of hetairism, following standard Greek-to-English word formation patterns.

Kelly Says

Hetairists were essentially the original exclusive clubs, but instead of country clubs, they were warrior societies with political power—the Athenian hetairists influenced democracy itself through their collective voting blocs and loyalty networks.

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