retinue
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\n \n Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 26, 2024 is:\n \n
\n \n\n retinue • \\RET-uh-noo\\ • noun
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A retinue is a group of helpers, supporters, or followers.
\n\n// The venue relies on a retinue of workers to carry out large events.
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"Royal Island, a swanky Caribbean oasis in The Bahamas, awaits its next king or queen and their lucky retinue of family and friends." \u2014 Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2024
\n \n \n\n Did you know?
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Retinue comes via Middle English from the Anglo-French verb retenir, meaning "to retain or keep in one's pay or service." Another retenir descendant is retainer, which has among its meanings "one who serves a person of high position or rank." In the 14th century, such retainers typically served a noble or royal of some kind, and retinue referred to a collection of retainers\u2014that is, the noble's servants and companions. Nowadays, the word retinue is often used with a bit of exaggeration to refer to the assistants, guards, publicists, and other people who accompany a high-profile individual in public. You might also hear such a collection of folks called a suite or entourage, two other words that come from French.
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