Bottleholder

n. 1. One who attends a pugilist in a prize fight; -- so called from the bottle of water of which he has charge. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who assists or supports another in a contest; an abettor; a backer. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Lord Palmerston considered himself the bottleholder of oppressed states. The London Times. [ 1913 Webster ]