Henchman

henchman, n., D&D-ism 1. (obsolete) a squire or page to a person of high rank; Middle English henshman, hengestman "groom," from hengest "stallion" + man "man"; c. 15th century. 
2. (modern) a trusted follower, connotatively a brutal thug. 
3. in D&D, an NPC hired by the PCs to accompany the party, usu. to aid in combat. See hireling. [GJ1]