figurative (usually depreciative). A person who performs a subservient role; a lackey. Cf. to carry water for at water, n. phrases 2b. Now chiefly…

U.S. A politician or public official who is idle or corrupt; spec. a hanger-on of a political party's officers. Cf. bummerism, n. Obsolete.

U.S. (chiefly depreciative). A follower who works to further the interests of a politician or other powerful person, esp. one who is obsequious or…

(see quot. 1890; cf. heeler, n.2 5).

spec. As a term of political abuse: a servile follower.

A servile assistant or follower; a lackey, a hanger-on. Now chiefly Canadian.