camp follower



camp follower

1. A civilian who follows a military unit from one location to the next, either because the person is closely related to a service member or to unofficially provide goods or services to members of the unit. Daniel spent his childhood as a camp follower. His father was in the army, so he and his mother had to move a lot.
2. A person who supports a group or cause without officially belonging to its organization. I always vote Republican, but I'm a camp follower—I'm registered as an Independent.
See also: camp, follower

camp follower

1. A civilian who follows or settles near a military camp, especially a prostitute who does so. For example, The recruits were told not to associate with camp followers. [Early 1800s]
2. A person who sympathizes with a cause or group but does not join it. For example, She's only a camp follower so we can't count on her for a contribution.
See also: camp, follower

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
LarrieLER-ee, LAR-eeEnglish
LeenaLE:-nah (Finnish)Finnish, Estonian
Sung-Minsung-meenKorean
Gautstafr-Ancient Scandinavian
Unnr-Ancient Scandinavian
Victoria[vik'tɔ:riə]