Retinue

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛ.tɪ.njuː/

Definitions

1. A group of advisers, assistants, or attendants who accompany an important person
2. A cadre of supporters, aides, or servants that travels with a notable individual for purposes of assistance and companionship
3. A following of associates, helpers, or companions that serves or surrounds a distinguished figure during various events

Etymology: The word "retinue" began as a legal and military idea before it meant a band of followers. It came into Middle English as "retenue" from Old French, where it was the past participle of "retenir," meaning "to retain" or "to hold back." So the core sense is something kept in hand, a body of people a lord holds in his service. That origin explains the later sense. A retinue is not simply a crowd travelling along; it is a group that has been retained, kept close and kept on duty, to attend a powerful person. The English word has stayed loyal to that picture of people held in attendance rather than free to come and go. The word is a doublet of "ritenuto," an Italian musical direction meaning "held back" or "slowed," which came from the same Latin root. The two words entered English by different routes and took on sharply different lives, one for attendants and one for a slackening tempo.

Synonyms: entourage, followers, suite