Minion (noun)

1. A devoted follower or servant, especially one who is subservient or carries out menial tasks.
2. A subordinate or junior person in a group or organization.
3. A character in a video game or comic book who is controlled by the player or protagonist.

Origin:

From the middle french 'mignon' meaning 'favourite' or 'darling'.

Examples:

1. The boss treated his employees like minions.
2. The king was surrounded by minions.
3. The minions were always at the boss's beck and call.
4. The minions were happy to do the dirty work.
5. The minions were the mainstay of the boss's power.