toady
UK: ˈtəʊdi | US: ˈtoʊdi
n. a person who flatters others excessively for personal gain; a sycophant
vt. to behave obsequiously toward someone
The word "toady" originated in the early 19th century from the phrase "toad-eater," referring to charlatans' assistants who pretended to eat poisonous toads (believed to be deadly) to showcase their employer's "healing" powers. Over time, "toad-eater" shortened to "toady," metaphorically describing someone who ingratiates themselves through servile behavior, much like swallowing distasteful acts for another's benefit.
He was dismissed as a mere toady to the CEO.
She refused to toady to the influential critics.
The politician surrounded himself with toadies who never challenged him.
Toadying to authority won him favors but lost him respect.
The royal court was full of toadies vying for the king's attention.