Minion

(min'yun), n. [Lat. minium, cinnabar, or red lead.] A kind of red pigment; vermilion. [Obs.] “Let them paint their faces with minion.” Burton.

(mĭn'yun), a. [Fr. mignon, It. mignone, from O. H. Ger. minni, minnia, love, affection.] Fine; trim; dainty. [Obs.]

(mĭn’/yun), n. [See supra.]

1Sense 1. A favorite; a darling; particularly, the favorite of a prince, on whom he lavishes his favors; one who gains favors by flattery or mean adulation. “The drowsy tyrant by his minions led.” Swift.

Edward sent an army into Ireland, not for conquest, but to guard the person of his minion, Piers Gaveston. Davies.

2Sense 2. A small kind of printing type, in size between brevier and nonpareil.

This line is printed in minion type.

3Sense 3. An ancient form of ordnance of small size, the caliber of which was about three inches. [Obs.]

Lead me but these two minions in the chase there. Beau. & Fl.