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minion

 - 3 dictionary results

min⋅ion

  [min-yuhn]
Use minion in a Sentence
–noun
1. a servile follower or subordinate of a person in power.
2. a favored or highly regarded person.
3. a minor official.
4. Printing. a 7-point type.
–adjective
5. dainty; elegant; trim; pretty.
Origin:
1490–1500; < MF mignon, for OF mignot dainty < ?
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To minion
min·ion   (mĭn'yən)   
n.  

  1. An obsequious follower or dependent; a sycophant.

  2. A subordinate official, especially a servile one.

  3. One who is highly esteemed or favored; a darling.


[French mignon, darling, from Old French mignot, mignon.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

minion 
1501, "a favorite; a darling; a low dependant; one who pleases rather than benefits" [Johnson], from M.Fr. mignon "a favorite, darling" (n.), also "dainty, pleasing, favorite" (adj.), from O.Fr. mignot, perhaps of Celt. origin (cf. O.Ir. min "tender, soft"), or from O.H.G. minnja, minna "love, memory." Used without disparaging overtones 16c.-17c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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