The minion starts freshening up (4)

I believe the answer is:

serf

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'the minion' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for serf that I've seen before include "One bound to the land" , "who got into bondage" , "Subservient labourer" , "Tied labourer" , "Feudal subject" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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