retainer

Servant of a lord who owed loyalty in return for a payment, rather than the holding of land. Retainers formed the personal retinue of medieval lords, originally in a primarily military capacity but later in administrative and judicial roles, and they became increasingly important throughout the middle ages. Retainers were often identified by a uniform (livery and maintenance) and formal agreements were sometimes drawn up stating the exact nature of the obligations of both lord and retainer (see indentured retainer).