Word of the Day

: August 21, 2009

spear-carrier

noun SPEER-kair-ee-er

What It Means

1 a : a member of an opera chorus

b : a bit actor in a play

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

spear-carrier in Context

Although the former aide was only a spear-carrier in the then-President's administration, his recently published memoir, which points an accusatory finger at several key players, is causing quite a stir.

Did You Know?

"Spear-carrier" began to be used for a person having a non-speaking or supernumerary role in opera or theater in the 1950s. The name likely came from the nondescript, often spear-carrying soldiers who appear in the background or as walk-ons in plays about ancient Rome or Greece. Off-stage, "spear-carrier" refers to a person having a minimal role in the undertaking of some major event or in the workings of some major organization.