henchman
henchman Lexical Profile
henchman Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A faithful follower or subordinate who carries out the orders of a powerful leader, especially by engaging in unscrupulous, illicit, or ruthless activities.
"The corrupt official relied on a loyal henchman to intimidate political rivals and silence whistleblowers."
A trusted attendant, squire, or page of honor to a nobleman or Highland chief (in historical usage).
"During the royal procession, the duke was accompanied by his personal henchman."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'henxtman' (a squire or groom of honor), a compound of Old English 'hengest' (stallion or horse) and 'mann' (man). Originally referring to a mounted attendant who rode beside a nobleman, the word acquired its negative political and criminal connotations in the 18th and 19th centuries.