A henchman performs physical tasks and errands of coercion for an employer. When the employer issues an imperative or threat, it is likely a henchman who will be actually making it a reality (if it comes to that). A henchman is like a thug, but generally paid or somehow compensated for services rendered. Henchmen are rarely found alone; they operate in groups of two or three, as a rule (It's easier to move a body, if you've got a friend to help out.). Henchmen also serve as bodyguards. The term henchman has a negative connotation.

It is every henchman's dream, to one day warrant henchmen of his or her own.

"Call off your dogs! Call them off, please!" shrieked Pseudo_Intellectual.
moJoe snapped his finger. wintersweet and thefez, ever the obedient henchmen, ceased their kicking and returned to their positions by the only exit from the dingy flophouse room.

Hench"man (?), n.; pl. -men (#). [OE. hencheman, henxman; prob. fr. OE. & AS. hengest horse + E. man, and meaning, a groom. AS. hengest is akin to D. & G. hengst stallion, OHG. hengist horse, gelding.]

An attendant; a servant; a follower. Now chiefly used as a political cant term.

© Webster 1913.