n.
(pl. henchmen)
- chiefly derogatory a faithful follower or political supporter, especially one prepared to engage in crime or dishonest practices.
- historical a squire or page of honour to a person of rank.
▸(in Scotland) the principal attendant of a Highland chief.
Etymology
ME, from OE hengest ‘male horse’ + man, the original sense being prob. ‘groom’.
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