Follower, n.
Etymology: [OE. folwere, AS. folgere.]
1. One who follows; a pursuer; an attendant; a disciple; a dependent associate; a retainer.
2. A sweetheart; a beau. [Colloq.] A. Trollope.
3. (Steam Engine) (a) The removable flange, or cover, of a piston. See Illust. of Piston. (b) A gland. See Illust. of Stuffing box.
4. (Mach.)
3 more senses
The part of a machine that receives motion from another part. See Driver.
5. Among law stationers, a sheet of parchment or paper which is added to the first sheet of an indenture or other deed.
Syn. -- Imitator; copier; disciple; adherent; partisan; dependent; attendant.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for follower; he lists it under accessory, adherent.
Where he writes about it:
Follower, henchman, retainer are persons especially devoted to a chief, and generally bound to him by necessity, fee, or reward. — from accessory