camp-follower
Definition
Noun: 1. A civilian who follows an army: "camp-follower" refers to a non-military person who travels with or stays near a military camp, often to provide services (e.g., selling goods, offering laundry, or entertainment). 2. A person who attaches themselves to a group or cause for personal gain: In a figurative sense, "camp-follower" describes someone who aligns with a political movement, organization, or influential figure primarily for their own benefit, without genuine commitment.
Usage Examples
- (Civilians who followed the military for trade.)
- (People who joined the group for personal advantage.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a camp-follower of [someone/something]": to be a follower who seeks personal profit or advantage.
- She was a camp-follower of the famous artist, always present at his exhibitions but never contributing creatively. (She attached herself to the artist for her own benefit.)
- Historical context: In military history, camp-followers included wives, children, merchants, and sex workers who accompanied armies for survival or profit.
Variants and Related Words
- Camp follower (n, variant spelling): same meaning, often written without a hyphen.
- The camp follower offered fresh bread to the soldiers. (A civilian providing services.)
- Follow (v): to go or come after.
- The merchant decided to follow the army to sell his goods. (To move along with.)
Synonyms
- Hanger-on: a person who associates with a group for personal advantage.
- Follower: a person who supports or accompanies a leader or group.
- Syco-phant: a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important to gain advantage.
Related Idioms
- Ride on someone's coattails: to succeed or gain benefits by associating with a powerful person.
- He rode on the general's coattails as a camp-follower, profiting from the army's presence. (He gained advantages by following the general.)