1. plural of demos; the common people or populace of a state, especially in ancient Greece.
Usage: historical; chiefly used in reference to ancient Greek city-states
2. plural of demos; subdivisions or local communities within an ancient Greek state, often used as administrative or tribal divisions.
Usage: historical; technical term in ancient Greek history and politics

Examples

• The demoi of Athens had significant influence over local governance and religious practices.
• Ancient Greek historians studied how the demoi participated in democratic assemblies.
• Each of the demoi maintained its own traditions and local identity within the larger polis.
• The demoi were instrumental in organizing citizens for military service and taxation.
• Membership in one of the demoi determined a citizen's political rights in ancient Greece.