noun
hanger-on; follower; flunky; sycophant
Derogatory term for someone who constantly follows and flatters a more powerful person, like a toady or lackey. The image is of a purse (巾着) tied to one's waist, always attached.
彼は社長の腰巾着で、いつも後ろをくっついて歩いている。
He's the president's hanger-on, always tagging along behind him.
That politician is surrounded by sycophants.
noun
waist pouch; purse strapped around the waist
Original literal meaning: a small drawstring purse or pouch worn at the waist, common in the Edo period. Now mostly historical or used in period contexts.
時代劇では、腰巾着に小銭を入れている。
In period dramas, they keep coins in a waist pouch.