Henchman

Origin

From Middle English hencheman, henseman, henxman ("a groom, page, attendant"), from Old English *hengstmann, *hengestmann ("groom", literally horseman), from hengst, hengest ("stallion, horse, steed, gelding") (from Proto-Germanic *hangistaz ("stallion"), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱanḱest-, *kankest- ("horse")) + mann ("man"). Cognate with German Hengstmann ("a groom"), Icelandic hestamaður ("horseman, groom"). More at man.

Full definition of henchman

Noun

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