Retinue

Pronunciation: /ˌrɛtɪˈnjuː/

Definitions of retinue

noun a group of advisers, assistants, or other accompanying individuals

Example Sentences

A1 The queen arrived at the palace with her retinue of servants and advisors.

A2 The knight rode into battle with his retinue of soldiers and squires.

B1 The politician was accompanied by a large retinue of supporters during the campaign.

B2 The celebrity's retinue of bodyguards and assistants ensured her safety at all times.

C1 The president's retinue of diplomats and security personnel traveled with him on his foreign visits.

C2 The billionaire's retinue of personal chefs, stylists, and assistants catered to his every need.

Examples of retinue in a Sentence

formal The queen arrived at the event with her royal retinue of advisors and attendants.

informal The celebrity showed up with their huge retinue of friends and assistants.

slang The boss rolled in with his whole retinue of yes-men.

figurative The author's retinue of characters in the novel added depth to the story.

Grammatical Forms of retinue

• past tense: retinued
• plural: retinues
• comparative: more retinue
• superlative: most retinue
• present tense: retinues
• future tense: will retinue
• perfect tense: have retinued
• continuous tense: is retinuing
• singular: retinue
• positive degree: retinue
• infinitive: to retinue
• gerund: retinuing
• participle: retinued

Origin and Evolution of retinue

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English and Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'retinue' originated from the Middle English term 'retenue', which came from the Old French 'retenue' meaning 'act of holding back' or 'a group of retainers'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'retinue' shifted from simply referring to a group of retainers or followers to encompassing a group of people who accompany an important person, such as a monarch or dignitary, on their travels.