train-bearers

You'll notice the two in the rear have no canes, presumably they are train-bearers.

The Mystery in the Cathedral - A Dress A Day 2008

Cato could ever imagine, is beginning to sink; and the train-bearers to the cardinals complain that everything indicates a decline.

A Philosophical Dictionary 2007

This fellow, I say, stiled himself a lawyer, but was indeed a most vile petty-fogger, without sense or knowledge of any kind; one of those who may be termed train-bearers to the law; a sort of supernumeraries in the profession, who are the hackneys of attorneys, and will ride more miles for half-a-crown than a postboy.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling 2004

At twelve o'clock, twenty-one peals of artillery announced the approach of the Queen, who shortly after entered with Prince Albert, followed by her train-bearers, &c.

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 54, No. 338, December 1843 Various

When his Majesty had got a little way down the Hall, he turned to his train-bearers, and requested them to bear his train farther from him, apparently with a view to relieve himself from the weight.

Coronation Anecdotes Giles Gossip

Noble ladies wore dresses heavily and richly embroidered with gold, and the train was so weighty that train-bearers were pressed into service.

Chats on Old Lace and Needlework Emily Leigh Lowes

Miss Webers of the day, have been tangible, but the frowns of Fashion have hitherto kept the revolutionists quiet, and ladies 'dresses have every month been increasing in longitude, until train-bearers are becoming necessary.

Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 3, July, 1851 Various

The king and queen, with their train-bearers, marched first, then strode consequential Master Alphonse, and the rest of the party followed, two and two, all singing a jingling rhyme as they marched, and swinging their nets to the tune.

The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. VIII, No. 357, October 30, 1886 Various

Both duchess and countess refrained from employing their train-bearers when they entered the dauphin's presence.

Charles the Bold Last Duke of Burgundy, 1433-1477 Ruth Putnam

The lord high steward, the great officers, deputy Garter, and black rod, arranged themselves near the chair of state; the royal train-bearers on each side of the throne.

Coronation Anecdotes Giles Gossip