noun · rare

camp follower

camp follower · camp followers

A civilian who follows an army, typically a family member of a soldier or someone who…A civilian who follows an army, typically a family member of a soldier or someone who provides services to the soldiers, e.g. prostitution, sale of liquor, cooking and laundry.

Meaning

3 senses

(historical)A civilian who follows an army, typically a family member of a soldier or someone who provides services to the soldiers, e.g. prostitution, sale of liquor, cooking and laundry.
A person who provides services to those engaged in a particular endeavor.
a prostitute who provides service to military personnel
One who joins a group, movement, or project without being a legitimate member; one who jumps on a bandwagon.
Near-synonym: fellow traveller
a follower who is not a member of an ingroup