noun
- In ancient Greece, a woman companion or courtesan, often educated and cultured, who entertained men at social gatherings.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to a specific individual; plural: hetairae or hetairas
Examples
- The hetaira was known for her wit and musical talent at Athenian symposia.
- Ancient Greek hetairae occupied a complex social position, distinct from both wives and slaves.
- Aspasia, a famous hetaira, was renowned for her intellectual conversations with philosophers.
- The hetaira's role in Greek society reflected attitudes toward women and entertainment in antiquity.