English Explanatory Dictionary

henchman

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A loyal and trusted follower or subordinate.
  2. A person who supports a political figure chiefly out of selfish interests.
  3. An assistant member of a criminal gang.
  4. A page to a prince or other person of high rank.

Pronunciation

/ˈhɛnt͡ʃ.mən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-henchman.wav

Word forms

henchman henchmen

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”).

Synonyms

acolyte adjutant aide bootlicker disciple flunkey footman follower henchman hireling inferior lackey lap dog lickspittle man Friday minion myrmidon poodle retainer right-hand man right-hand woman servant stooge subordinate sycophant toady underling vassal yes man

Derived words

hench henchboy henchmanship
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