Definitions

1. noun

In ancient Greece, a group of people who lived in the periphery of a city-state but were not citizens; a type of semi-autonomous community or a dependent territory.

“The historian studied the social structure of the ancient Greek city-states, including the perioikoi and their relationship with the city’s ruling class.”

2. proper noun

A specific group of perioikoi, such as the perioikoi of Messenia.

“The perioikoi of Messenia were known for their agricultural skills and their trade with the city of Sparta.”