n. A body of followers, retainers, attendants, or supporters; the adherents, disciples, or imitators of a particular leader or system, considered collectively; the persons composing a sect or party that follows the lead of a chief, or is devoted to the same cause, body of principles, or system of teaching or action.n. What one follows as an occupation or trade; vocation; calling; occupation.Immediately succeeding; coming next in order; ensuing: as, during the following week.That is now to follow; now to be related, set forth, described, or explained: as, the following story I can vouch for; in the following order.In naval architecture, said of the edge or end of a surface or blade, as a propeller blade, which is in the rear when moving through water: opposed to leading.