noun,
bully on
retainer
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.
I suppose the terms henchman/henchmen are a bit dated. We should all begin using the more inclusive henchpersons, and later when even those becomes offensive, persons of hench.