placeman

[ pleys-muhn ]

noun

, British.

, plural place·men.

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

placeman

/ ˈpleɪsmən /

noun

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

Other Words From

• placeman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of placeman¹

First recorded in 1735–45; place + -man

Example Sentences

Gov Sitnikov is Vladimir Putin's placeman in his home region, so he's hardly a rebel or fearless teller of uncomfortable truths.

From BBC

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