spear carrier

or spear-carri·er

noun

1. a supernumerary in a theatrical or operatic production, as one of a group of soldiers or a member of a crowd; extra.
2. any minor member of a group, profession, political party, etc.; subordinate; underling.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spear carrier¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Louis the Goon Engel was a mere walk-on in the piece, a spear-carrier doomed to death.

From Project Gutenberg