henchman

hench·man

noun \ˈhench-mən\

: a trusted follower or supporter who performs unpleasant, wrong, or illegal tasks for a powerful person (such as a politician or criminal)

Full Definition of HENCHMAN

1

obsolete :  a squire or page to a person of high rank

2

a :  a trusted follower :  a right-hand man

b :  a political follower whose support is chiefly for personal advantage

c :  a member of a gang

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Examples of HENCHMAN

1. a gangster surrounded by his henchmen

Origin of HENCHMAN

Middle English henshman, hengestman groom, from hengest stallion (from Old English) + man; akin to Old High German hengist gelding

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with HENCHMAN

Frenchman