SuaviloquyToday’s word

retainer

Retainer, n.

1. One who, or that which, retains.

2. One who is retained or kept in service; an attendant; an adherent; a hanger-on.

3. Hence, a servant, not a domestic, but occasionally attending and wearing his master's livery. Cowell.

4. (Law) (a) The act of a client by which he engages a lawyer or counselor to manage his cause. (b) The act of withholding what one has in his hands by virtue of some right. (c) A fee paid to engage a lawyer or counselor to maintain a cause, or to prevent his being employed by the opposing party in the case; -- called also retaining fee. Bouvier. Blackstone.

1 more senses

5. The act of keeping dependents, or the state of being in dependence. Bacon.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for retainer; he lists it under accessory.

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

Synonyms

accessoryabetterabettoraccompliceallyassistantassociateattendantcoadjutorcolleaguecompanionconfederatefollowerhelperhenchmanparticipatorpartner

Antonyms

adversaryantagonistbetrayerchiefcommanderenemyfoehindererinstigatorleaderopponentopposerprincipalrival

etymologyWebster’s online