Word for the day, September 28

demimonde · 'de-mi-"mänd, -mE-, -mOnd · noun

1 a) : a class of women on the fringes of respectable society supported by wealthy lovers b) : the population of prostitutes in a given locale
2 : a distinctive class, group, or activity that is often an isolated part of a larger class, group, or activity ; especially : one having a questionable reputation or little prestige

Etymology: French demi-monde, from demi- ("half") + monde ("world"), from Latin mundus