n.
(pl. toadies)
- a person who behaves obsequiously towards others.
- Australian term for pufferfish.
v.
(toadies, toadying, toadied)
act obsequiously.
Derivative
- toadyish adj.
- toadyism n.
Etymology
C19: said to be a contr. of toad-eater, a charlatan's assistant who ate toads (regarded as poisonous) as a demonstration of the efficacy of the charlatan's remedy.
