Retinue
From Freepedia
A retinue (O. Fr. retenue, from retenir, Lat. retenere, hold back, retain) is a body of persons "retained" in the service of a noble or royal personage, a suite of "retainers." Such retainers were not necessarily in the domestic service of their lord, but all wore his "livery" (a kind of uniform, in distinctive colours) and claimed his protection, such as musicians and private teachers. Some were a source of trouble and abuse in the 15th and early 16th century (see maintenance).
Sometimes used in the context meaning the supporters/followers of a Medieval knight.
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Please update as needed.
