/ ˈtəʊdi; NAmE ˈtoʊdi/ noun , verb
■ noun
( pl. -ies ) ( disapproving ) a person who treats sb more important with special kindness or respect in order to gain their favour or help
SYN sycophant
■ verb
( toad·ies , toady·ing , toad·ied , toad·ied ) [ v ] toady (to sb) ( disapproving ) to treat sb more important with special kindness or respect in order to gain their favour or help
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WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent.: said to be a contraction of toad-eater , a charlatan's assistant who ate toads; toads were regarded as poisonous, and the assistant's survival was thought to be due to the efficacy of the charlatan's remedy.