henchman

[ hench-muhn ]

noun

, plural hench·men.

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.

henchman

/ ˈhɛntʃmən /

noun

1. a faithful attendant or supporter
2. archaic.
   a squire; page

Other Words From

• henchman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of henchman¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of henchman¹

C14: hengestman, from Old English hengest stallion + man ; related to Old Norse hestr horse, Old High German hengist gelding

Example Sentences

Lysenko benefited from Stalin’s suspicion of and hostility toward scientific experts, whom his henchmen denigrated as “enemies of the people” for their defense of “pure science for the sake of science.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sure, he'll do those things if he can but they were mostly arguments for getting elected so he'll leave that in the hands of his henchmen and take credit for whatever they manage to do.

From Salon

If Trump wants to let Bobby go wild, his henchmen will find a way to circumvent any impediments.

From Salon

The Bezos-installed publisher, a morally challenged former Murdoch henchman and Tory lord named Will Lewis, took credit for the decision on Friday, claiming this shattering of decades of precedent is a statement of independence.

From Salon

His loyal henchman Meadows naturally denies that he ever said those things.

From Salon