Henchman is a synonym of thug.
As nouns the difference between thug and henchman
is that thug is a criminal with an intimidating and unseemly appearance and mannerisms, who treats others violently and roughly, especially for hire while henchman is a loyal and trusted follower or subordinate.
thug
English
(
wikipedia thug)
From (
etyl) .
Thuggee was an Indian network of secret fraternities who were engaged in murdering and robbing travellers and known for strangling their victims, operating from the 17th century (possibly as early as 13th century) to the 19th century. During of India, many Indian words passed into common English, and in 1810
thug referred to members of these Indian gangs. The sense was adopted more generally as "ruffian, cutthroat" by 1839.
Noun
(
en noun)
A criminal with an intimidating and unseemly appearance and mannerisms, who treats others violently and roughly, especially for hire.
(dated) One of a band of assassins formerly active in northern India who worshipped and offered their victims to her.
Synonyms
* See also
henchman
English
Noun
(henchmen)
A loyal and trusted follower or subordinate.
A person who supports a political figure chiefly out of selfish interests.
A member of a criminal gang.
(obsolete) A page to a prince or other person of high rank.
