ˈhelət noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin Helotes, plural, from Greek Heilōtes
1. usually capitalized : a member of the lowest social and economic class of ancient Sparta thought to represent the conquered original population and constituting a body of serfs who were attached to the land, could not be sold, could be freed only by the state, were obliged to pay fixed portions of produce to the ruling Spartiates, and were required to serve in the armed forces — compare perioeci 2
2. : a member of any group of people deprived of rights and privileges and often exploited : serf