henchman

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *hangistaz Proto-West Germanic *hangist Old English henġest Proto-Indo-European *mon- Proto-Germanic *mann- Proto-West Germanic *mann Old English mann Old English *henġestmann Middle English henxman English henchman Inherited from Middle English henxman (“page, attendant”), from Old English *henġestmann, *hengstmann (“groom”, literally “horseman”), from henġest (“stallion, horse, steed, gelding”) + mann (“man”). Akin to archaic German Hengstmann (“groom”) and Icelandic hestamaður (“horseman, groom”).

1. A loyal and trusted follower or subordinate.
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 practical public appreciation where journals are true to the people's interests the fear of the vengeance;”

   “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.”

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.”

   “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.”

4. 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.”