Dictionary

henchboy en · NOUN

Etymology

Blend of henchman + boy.

Meanings

1. (archaic) A follower; footman; page; a servant.
   • ... There, when in Solemn State he pleas'd to ride, Poor Scepter'd slaves ran Henchboys by his side: [...] 1710, John Oldham, The Works of Mr. John Oldham: Together with His Remains:
   • The smiths exhibited a mounted horseman with head-piece and axe; the carpenters, a group of boys, bearing wands surmounted with bunches of flowers, like that borne by the lord mayor of London's henchboy, in Charles I's time, as shewn in the frontispiece to the first part of my "Lord Mayors' Pageants;" … 1846, Percy Society - Volume 19
2. A young henchman
   • He growled at two of his mick henchboys, who pinned poor Austin's face to the wall. 2014, Paul Monette, Becoming a Man: Half a Life Story:
   • Patiently awaiting his opportunity until he can pounce like a predator, the henchboy again tugs out the jukebox lead just as the Guv'nor has returned to his place behind the counter. 2015, Richard O. Smith, The Unbeatables:
   • “[...] 'Yeah, you fix it up for us, Elsa,” said one of his henchboys. 2008, Jacqueline Wilson, The Bed and Breakfast Star:
   • Suitably stimulated, Superfag turns on his platforms and dances off through the empty hallways, his henchboys behind. 2009, Tony Fletcher, Hedonism:
   • So seeing him looking all quiet and bookish, Power goes up to him accompanied by a few henchboys and says: `'Can you handle yourself, Dwyer? Are you any good at boxing?' 1991, Gretta Curran Browne, Fire On The Hill:
   • Tenida, like Ghanada, is also surrounded by three henchboys, and acts out his particular form of hyperabsurdity. 2016, Boria Majumdar, Feluda @ 50:

Forms