different between retainer vs flunkey

English

Etymology

retain +? -er

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /???te?n.?/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /???te?n.?/, /???te?n.?/
• Rhymes: -e?n?(r)

Noun

retainer (plural retainers)

1. Any thing or person that retains.
2. A dependent or follower of someone of rank.
3. A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.
4. A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.

5. (dentistry) A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

Derived terms

• general retainer
• special retainer

Related terms

Translations

See also

• brace

Anagrams

• Arretine, Eretrian, Eritrean, Renteria, rain tree, rain-tree, raintree

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?fl??ki/
• Rhymes: -??ki

Alternative forms

• flunkie
• flunky

Noun

flunkey (plural flunkeys or flunkies)

1. (derogatory) An underling; a liveried servant or a footman; servant, retainer – a person working in the service of another (especially in the household).
   • 1975, Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift [Avon ed., 1976, p. 304]:

     Dignified flunkies in the circular reception hall of the Ritz took my bag and briefcase and I came through the revolving door looking for Renata.

2. One who is obsequious or cringing; a snob.
3. (US, finance, slang) One easily deceived in buying stocks; an inexperienced and unwary jobber.

Translations

Derived terms

• flunkeydom
• flunkeyish
• flunkeyism

See also

• lackey