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hetaera

[ hi-teer-uh ]

noun

, plural he·tae·rae [hi-, teer, -ee].
  1. a highly cultured courtesan or concubine, especially in ancient Greece.
  2. any woman who uses her beauty and charm to obtain wealth or social position.


hetaera

/ hɪˈtɪərə; hɪˈtaɪrə /

noun

  1. (esp in ancient Greece) a female prostitute, esp an educated courtesan


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Derived Forms

  • heˈtaeric, adjective

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Other Words From

  • he·taeric adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hetaera1

First recorded in 1810–20, hetaera is from the Greek word hetaíra (feminine) companion

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hetaera1

C19: from Greek hetaira concubine

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Example Sentences

The concubine has the status of a hetaera; she travels with the man, keeps his accounts, etc.

The Thais of that play is the most favourable delineation of the Athenian 'Hetaera' in ancient literature.

She adopted the hetaera life, and was the "companion" of Stilpo himself.

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hethetaerism