Perioeci

[ per-ee-ee-sahy ]

plural noun

, singular Per·i·oe·cus [per-ee-, ee, -k, uh, s].

1. the inhabitants of ancient Laconia, constituting a dependent people of Sparta, who governed themselves and had a monopoly on trade and manufacture. Compare Helot ( def 1 ), Spartiate.

Other Words From

• peri·oecic peri·oecid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Perioeci¹

1585–95; < Medieval Latin perioecī < Greek períoikoi countryside dwellers, noun use of plural of períoikos neighboring, equivalent to peri- peri- + -oikos, adj. derivative of oîkos house

Example Sentences

The scenes are agonistic, i.e. represent funeral games, in which both white and black persons take part, the latter doubtless Libyan perioeci: but all wear Greek garments.

From Project Gutenberg

The neighbouring Libyans were conciliated and given a position similar to that of Laconian perioeci, and intermarriage between them and Greeks became so frequent that the colony rapidly assumed a somewhat hybrid character, and while being one of the centres of Hellenic culture, showed barbarian characteristics of violence and luxury.

From Project Gutenberg

In classical times it was a community of perioeci, politically dependent on Sparta, though doubtless with a municipal life of its own.

From Project Gutenberg

The Stoic philosophers, especially Crates of Mallus, arguing from the love of nature for life, placed an oekumene in each quarter of the sphere, the three unknown world-islands being those of the Antoeci, Perioeci and Antipodes.

From Project Gutenberg

The Perioeci and the helots, with the love of freedom characteristic among the Greeks, chafed under their yoke of subjugation, and eagerly watched for opportunities for revolt.

From Project Gutenberg