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Flunky, is a genuine Yankee word.
It is only found in a Yankee dictionary, and is there defined by a periphrasis.
The great Webster, who understood Yankeedom thoroughly, says: “A term of contempt for one who is mean and base-spirited; perhaps from the Scottish flunkie, a livery servant.”
Worcester, another omnipotent Yankee authority, says: “A mean-spirited person, a servile follower — used contemptuously.”
The word could only have had its origin in a land where the thing itself had existence.
The animal, flunky, is an unadulterated Yankee product.
Recent events go to prove that it is not merely the exclusive, but universal growth of that region.--Charleston Mercury.
Van Nostrand. New York, New York. 1862.
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