Retinue - Definition

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 in the domestic service of their lord, but wore his "livery" and claimed his protection. They 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 Middle Ages knight.

References

• This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Please update as needed.