camp follower

noun

1. a civilian not officially connected with a military unit, especially a prostitute, who follows or settles near an army camp.

2. a person who sympathizes with or espouses the aims of a group without belonging to it.

camp follower

noun

1. any civilian, esp a prostitute, who unofficially provides services to military personnel

2. a nonmember who is sympathetic to a particular group, theory, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of camp follower¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Idioms and Phrases

A civilian who follows or settles near a military camp, especially a prostitute who does so. For example, The recruits were told not to associate with camp followers . [Early 1800s]

A person who sympathizes with a cause or group but does not join it. For example, She's only a camp follower so we can't count on her for a contribution .