noun
lackey
LA-kee
noun
1
A servant, especially one in uniform, or by extension someone who follows orders without question.
"The dictator surrounded himself with lackeys who never questioned his decisions."
verb
1
To serve someone in an overly obedient, fawning way.
"He spent years lackeying for the boss, hoping for a promotion that never came."
How to Use Lackey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA servant, or more often today, an insult for someone who obeys a powerful person too eagerly.
When to use it
Usually used dismissively or as an insult, not a neutral job title.
Common pairings
corporate lackey
mindless lackey
Word Forms
lackeyed past tense, lackeys plural, Lackeys plural, lackeys singular
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The dictator surrounded himself with _____ who never questioned his decisions.
Etymology
Borrowed from French laquais, tracing back through Spanish and possibly Arabic or Turkish origins.