Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Myrmidon

Myr′mi-don

,
Noun.
[L.
Myrmidones
, Gr.
Μυρμιδόνες
, pl.]
1.
One of a fierce tribe or troop who accompanied
Achilles
, their king, to the Trojan war.
2.
A soldier or a subordinate civil officer who executes cruel orders of a superior without protest or pity; – sometimes applied to bailiffs, constables, etc.
Thackeray.
With unabated ardor the vindictive man of law and his
myrmidons
pressed forward.
W. H. Ainsworth.

Webster 1828 Edition

Myrmidon

MYR'MIDON

,
Noun.
[Gr. a multitude of ants.] Primarily, the Myrmidons are said to have been a people on the borders of Thessaly, who accompanied Achilles to the war against Troy. Hence the name came to signify a soldier of a rough character, a desperate soldier or ruffian.

Similar Results