placeman

American  

[pleys-muhn] / ˈpleɪs mən /

noun

British.

plural

placemen

1. a person appointed to a position, especially one in the government, as a reward for political support of an elected official.

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placeman British  

/ ˈpleɪsmən /

noun

1. derogatory a person who holds a public office, esp for private profit and as a reward for political support

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Other Word Forms

• placemanship noun

Etymology

Origin of placeman

First recorded in 1735–45; place + -man

Example Sentences

Until now, they have been happy to leave the pain to Brussels placemen.

From The Guardian

In late March the placeman she had installed in the presidency announced on Facebook that he was resigning to “take a rest”.

From Economist

Odds are growing that he will try to keep his job after 2022, or appoint a placeman and rule China from behind the scenes.

From Economist

The militia had used threats to get their placemen to the top of the council.

From The Guardian

On April 26th its placemen in a “reform” committee are due to finish debating the first full version of a planned new constitution intended to do just that.

From Economist