Hireling
/ˈhaɪər.lɪŋ/noun
A person employed to work for wages, especially one regarded as lacking loyalty or principles.
Did you know?The word carries an old moral sting because it was often used for a person who serves only for pay, a meaning that made it a favorite term in religious and political attacks.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hȳrian
“to hire, pay for service”
Old English
OE
hīrling
“a hired servant; one who works for wages”
Middle English
ME
hireling
“a hired servant or employee”
Modern English
EN
hireling
“a person employed for wages, often with the implication of being untrustworthy or mercenary”