Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 26, 2024 is:
    
  
  
  
    retinue  \RET-uh-noo\   noun
    A retinue is a group of helpers, supporters, or followers.

// The venue relies on a retinue of workers to carry out large events. 

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    Examples:
    "Royal Island, a swanky Caribbean oasis in The Bahamas, awaits its next king or queen and their lucky retinue of family and friends." — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2024
  
  
  
    Did you know?
    Retinue comes via Middle English from the Anglo-French verb retenir, meaning "to retain or keep in one's pay or service." Another retenir descendant is retainer, which has among its meanings "one who serves a person of high position or rank." In the 14th century, such retainers typically served a noble or royal of some kind, and retinue referred to a collection of retainers—that is, the noble's servants and companions. Nowadays, the word retinue is often used with a bit of exaggeration to refer to the assistants, guards, publicists, and other people who accompany a high-profile individual in public. You might also hear such a collection of folks called a suite or entourage, two other words that come from French.

retinue

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