spear carrier

noun

spear car·​ri·​er ˈspir-ˌker-ē-ər 

-ˌka-rē-

variants also spear-carrier

1

: an actor whose role in a production is very minor

also : a member of an opera chorus

2

a

: a person whose actions are of little significance or value in an event or organization

a loyal spear carrier

b

: a person who advances or promotes the interests of a cause, group, etc.

the spear carrier for the administration's policies

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1a