/hang"euhr on", -awn"/ , n. , pl. hangers-on .
a person who remains in a place or attaches himself or herself to a group, another person, etc., although not wanted, esp. in the hope or expectation of personal gain.
[ 1540-50; n. use of v. phrase hang on; see -ER 1 ]
Syn . toady, parasite, sycophant, follower.