Metgezellen

Metgezellen is a Dutch noun meaning companions or attendants who accompany someone. The word combines met ("with") and gezellen (companions), and it is used to describe people who travel with, accompany, or serve a person of status. It is often found in historical, ceremonial, or formal contexts and may appear in travel writings, court records, or literary works. While the singular form metgezel exists, metgezellen is the common plural used to refer to a group of companions or an entourage.

In historical contexts, metgezellen typically referred to members of a noble or official entourage, such as attendants, guards, pages, or advisers who travel with or support the person. The term conveys a sense of deliberate accompaniment rather than casual presence. In modern Dutch, metgezellen retains a somewhat formal or literary tone and may appear in biographies, historical narratives, or poetic language. For everyday language, more common terms may be used to express similar ideas, depending on nuance.

Etymology: metgezellen derives from met ("with") and gezel (companion), with gezellen as the plural form. The expression reflects the social practice of traveling with a retinue or group of companions in traditional European societies. See also gezel and gezelschap for related concepts.