Minion. Once no more than darling or dearling (mignon). It is quite a superaddition of later times that the ‘minion’ is an unworthy object, on whom an excessive fondness is bestowed.
Map now an Adam in thy memory,
By God’s own hand made with great majesty;
No idiot fool, nor drunk with vain opinion,
But God’s disciple, and his dearest minion.
Sylvester, Du Bartas’ Weeks, The Imposture.
Whoso to marry a minion wife
Hath had good chance and hap,
Must love her and cherish her all his life,
And dandle her in his lap.