henchman

Noun

henchman (plural henchmen)

1. A loyal and trusted follower or subordinate.

   Synonyms:

   acolyte, adjutant, aide, bootlicker, disciple, flunkey, footman, satrap, follower, hireling

2. A person who supports a political figure chiefly out of selfish interests.
   • The glib sophistries of the special pleader and the verdant gullibility of the public; the ridiculous, now happily fast disappearing partisan bias of the voter and the venal instincts of the political henchman; the lack of proper moral stamina in much of our public press, and the tardiness of...1906, W. G. Joerns, “The Railroad Hold-up”, in Watson's Magazine, volume 5, page 397
   • It is madness to commence war against the audacious despots under any leader like Lafayette, the traitor and venal henchman of despotism, against whom the cries of the patriots murdered on July 17 call to Heaven.1916, The History of Nations - Volume 10, page 165
3. An assistant member of a criminal gang.
   • Johnny Genaro, chief of staff to Al Capone, was “put on the spot” in a crowded street in Chicago on Saturday night.1931 March 24, “AL CAPONE'S HENCHMAN MURDERED”, in Tuesday Express
   • Most of the carpet joints were run by the mobsters and local henchmen associated with the Mayfield Road Gang, but Peter Schmidt's Playtorium and Glenn Rendezvous were also included.2014, Paul A. Tenkotte, James C. Claypool, The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky, page 385
4. (obsolete) A page to a prince or other person of high rank.
   • Henchmen had placed, as was their habit, each warrior's gear and trappings above his pile of skins.1961, Norma Lorre Goodrich, “Beowulf”, in The Medieval Myths, New York: The New American Library, page 33