companion; person who looks after someone
Rare noun referring to a person who keeps someone company or takes care of them; not in common modern use. The more usual word is 世話役 or 付き添い.
In old-time travel, a companion would sometimes accompany the traveler.
Compound of 構い (kamai, 'care, concern') + 手 (te, 'person'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely originated as a term for a person who provides care or company.