1. a social sphere or group of people regarded as existing on the margins of respectable society; a half-world.
Usage: often used historically to refer to people engaged in morally questionable or illicit activities; somewhat archaic or literary

Examples

• The novel explores the demiworld of con artists and swindlers operating in the city.
• She moved in the demiworld of theater and bohemian circles.
• The detective investigated the demiworld of illegal gambling operations.
• Historical accounts describe the demiworld inhabited by exiles and outcasts.
• He was drawn into the demiworld of black market dealers.