henchman

American  

[hench-muhn] / ˈhɛntʃ mən /

noun

plural

henchmen

1. an unscrupulous and ruthless subordinate, especially a criminal.

   The leader of the gang went everywhere accompanied by his henchmen.

2. an unscrupulous supporter or adherent of a political figure or cause, especially one motivated by the hope of personal gain.

   Hitler and his henchmen.

   Synonyms:

   cohort, lackey, flunky

3. a trusted attendant, supporter, or follower.

4. Obsolete. a squire or page.

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henchman British  

/ ˈhɛntʃmən /

noun

1. a faithful attendant or supporter

2. archaic a squire; page

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Other Word Forms

• henchmanship noun

Etymology

Origin of henchman

1325–75; Middle English henchman, henshman, henksman, hengestman, Old English hengest stallion (cognate with German Hengst ) + man man

Example Sentences

Multiple battles with Claudius’ henchmen pepper Scarlet and Hijiri’s journey, as does an encounter with the United Nations of this place: a group of wandering nomads from around the world who’ve come together for companionship.

From Los Angeles Times

They were so grateful, they’d take me personally to the police to report the boat master, Jack of Diamonds, and his henchmen, and make sure I got home safely.

From Literature

The implication is that, in addition to engaging in nefarious financial shenanigans, one of Mr. Xi’s most trusted henchmen was plotting against him.

From The Wall Street Journal

After a long, uneasy pause, Orsoni broke the silence with a chuckle and his henchmen followed suit.

From BBC

In 1932 she reported on the libel trial brought against Hitler by a former Nazi henchman.

From The Wall Street Journal