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Lackey vs Retainer - What's the difference?

lackey | retainer | Synonyms |

Lackey is a synonym of retainer.


As nouns the difference between lackey and retainer

is that lackey is a footman, a liveried male servant while retainer is a dependent or follower of someone of rank.

As a verb lackey

is to attend, wait upon, serve obsequiously.

lackey

English

Alternative forms

* (verb only)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A footman, a liveried male servant.
  • A fawning, servile follower; a lickspittle.

    • Derived terms

    * lackey caterpillar * lackey moth

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To attend, wait upon, serve obsequiously
  • * Milton
    • A thousand liveried angels lackey her.
  • (obsolete) To toady, play the flunky

    • References

    * "lackey." Online Etymology Dictionary. 2008

    retainer

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A dependent or follower of someone of rank.
  • A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.
  • Any thing or person that retains.
  • A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.
    • This lawyer charges a retainer for his work .
  • (dentistry): A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

    • Related terms

    * retain

    See also

    * brace

    Anagrams

    * *