myrmidon

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a subordinate who carries out a powerful person's orders unquestioningly or ruthlessly

   The corrupt official sent his myrmidons to intimidate the witnesses.

2. 2
   noun

   Greek mythology: one of the warriors commanded by Achilles in the Trojan War

   Achilles withdrew his Myrmidons from the fighting after quarreling with Agamemnon.

From Latin Myrmidones, from Greek Myrmidones, the warriors led by Achilles at Troy. Ancient tradition associated their name with Greek myrmex, 'ant'; English generalized the loyal warriors into often-disapproving language for obedient agents or enforcers.

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