peon
nounUK /ˈpiː.ən/ · US /ˈpi.ɑn/
Etymology From a combination of Middle French pion, peon and Spanish peón, both from Late Latin pedōnem (“pedestrian”). Doublet of pawn.
1
A lowly person; a peasant or serf; a labourer who is obliged to do menial work.
2
Figuratively A person of low rank or importance.
- He is well dressed in cheap clothing. Like an office peon whose wife works in a laundry.2011, Shehan Karunatilaka, Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, Jonathan Cape, page 260:
3
India, Historical A messenger, foot soldier, or native policeman.
- Related terms
- peonage