minion

minion
minion (n.) c.1500, "a favorite; a darling; a low dependant; one who pleases rather than benefits" [Johnson], from M.Fr. mignon "a favorite, darling" (n.), also a term of (probably homosexual) abuse;" as an adjective, "dainty, pleasing, favorite," from O.Fr. mignot "pretty, attractive, dainty, gracious, affectionate," perhaps of Celtic origin (Cf. O.Ir. min "tender, soft"), or from O.H.G. minnja, minna "love, memory" (see MIND (Cf. mind) (n.)). Used 16c.-17c. without disparaging overtones.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Minion — Schriftart Minion Kategorie Serif …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Minion — Min ion, n. [F. mignon, fr. OHG. minni love, G. minne; akin to E. mind. See {Mind}, and cf. {Mignonette}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A loved one; one highly esteemed and favored; in a good sense. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] God s disciple and his dearest… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Minion — Min ion, a. [See 2d {Minion}.] Fine; trim; dainty. [Obs.] Their . . . minion dancing. Fryth. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • minion — ► NOUN ▪ a servile or unimportant follower of a powerful person. ORIGIN from French mignon pretty, dainty, sweet ; the term was originally used in a derogatory way to refer to a homoerotic relationship between a male minion and his patron …   English terms dictionary

  • Minion — Min ion, n. Minimum. [Obs.] Burton. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Minion — (fr., spr. Miniong, Schriftg.), so v.w. Mignonne …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • minion — MINIÓN s.n. (Poligr.) Colonel. [pron. nion. / < fr. mignon, germ. Mignon]. Trimis de LauraGellner, 19.11.2008. Sursa: DN …   Dicționar Român

  • minion — [n] sycophant backscratcher*, backslapper*, bootlicker*, brownnoser*, dependent, doormat, fan, fawner, flatterer, flunky*, follower, groupie, hanger on*, lackey, parasite, puppet, slave, stooge*, subordinate, toady, yes man/woman, yes person;… …   New thesaurus

  • minion — minion1 [min′yən] n. [Fr mignon, favorite, darling: see MIGNON] 1. a favorite, esp. one who is a fawning, servile follower: term of contempt 2. a subordinate official, deputy, or the like 3. Obs. a mistress or paramour adj. Rare delicate, dainty …   English World dictionary

  • Minion — A minion is a follower devoted to serving his/her master relentlessly. Minion may refer to: Contents 1 Computing 2 Arts and entertainment …   Wikipedia

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