— henchmanship , n.
/hench"meuhn/ , n. , pl. henchmen .
1. an unscrupulous and ruthless subordinate, esp. 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, esp. one motivated by the hope of personal gain: Hitler and his henchmen.
3. a trusted attendant, supporter, or follower.
4. Obs. a squire or page.
[ 1325-75; ME henchman, henshman, henksman, hengestman, OE hengest stallion (c. G Hengst ) + man MAN 1 ]
Syn. 2. flunky, lackey, cohort.