Buttonman

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person employed to carry out violent acts or intimidate on behalf of a group or employer
2. An individual who works as a professional enforcer or hitman for criminal or organized groups
3. Someone who acts as a paid operative specializing in coercion and violence directed by others

Etymology: "Buttonman," also written "button man," is American underworld slang for a low-ranking member of a criminal organization who carries out violent orders. The word is a plain compound of "button" and "man," but the exact reason "button" came to mean this is uncertain. One explanation often offered is that it refers to a badge or lapel-pin token of membership, but no documented evidence confirms that link, so it should be treated as a guess.