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spear-carrier

 - 2 dictionary results

spear carrier

–noun
1. a supernumerary in a theatrical or operatic production, as one of a group of soldiers or a member of a crowd; extra.
2. any minor member of a group, profession, political party, etc.; subordinate; underling.
Also, spear-car⋅ri⋅er.


Origin:
1950–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To spear-carrier
spear-car·ri·er   (spîr'kār'ē-ər)
n.  
  1. A minor member of an operatic or dramatic cast, usually having no speaking part.

  2. One whose presence or performance has little effect on an occurrence, group, or organization.

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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