1. a social or economic system in ancient Greece in which women (hetaerae) were educated companions and entertainers, often of high social status.
Usage: historical; academic
2. in anthropology, a form of social organization or kinship system based on group marriage or communal relationships.
Usage: academic; anthropological

Examples

• Scholars of ancient Greece study hetaerism to understand the social roles of educated women in classical Athens.
• The institution of hetaerism reflected the cultural values and gender dynamics of ancient Greek society.
• Hetaerism in anthropological theory describes certain kinship patterns found in early human societies.
• Historical accounts of hetaerism provide insight into the lives of hetaerae, who were distinct from other women of their time.