It's Merriam-Webster's word of the day for February 26th.

Today's word is retinue, spelled R-E-T-I-N-G-N-G-N-G-N-E-T-I-N-U-E. Retinue is a noun. A retinue is a

retinue is a group of helpers, supporters, or followers. Here's the word used in a sentence from the Rob report by

Abbey Montana's. Royal Island, a swanky Caribbean oasis in the Bahamas, awaits

its next king or queen and their lucky retinue of family and friends.

Retinue comes via middle English from the Anglo-French verb Rotonierir meaning to retain or keep in one's pay or service.

Another Rotonir descendant is the word 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 retainer that is the

nobles servants and companions nowadays the word retinue is often used with a bit of

exaggeration to refer to the assistance guards, publicists,

and other people who accompany a high profile individual in public.

You might also hear such a collection of folks called a sweet or entourage to other words that come from French.

With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.

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