a civilian not officially connected with a military unit, especially a prostitute, who follows or settles near an army camp.
2.
a person who sympathizes with or espouses the aims of a group without belonging to it.
Origin
1800-10
British Dictionary definitions for camp follower
camp follower
noun
1.
any civilian, esp a prostitute, who unofficially provides services to military personnel
2.
a nonmember who is sympathetic to a particular group, theory, etc
Idioms and Phrases with camp follower
camp follower
.
A civilian who follows or settles near a military camp, especially a prostitute who does so. For example, The recruits were told not to associate with camp followers. [ Early 1800s ]
.
A person who sympathizes with a cause or group but does not join it. For example, She's only a camp follower so we can't count on her for a contribution.