epigone

plural epigones

1. A follower or disciple.

   India is run by gerontocrats and epigones: grey hairs and groomed heirs.

   2013 May 11, “What a waste”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8835, page 12

2. An undistinguished or inferior imitator of a well known artist or their style.

   While Shaler remained subordinate, he followed Agassiz’s intellectual lead, often with the epigone’s habit of exaggerating his master’s voice.

   1991, Stephen Jay Gould, Bully for Brontosaurus, →ISBN

   1 more example

   In another twist to the myth, his Head of Department, the ageless and loathsome Vermishank, was not a plodding epigone but an exceptional bio-thaumaturge.

   2000, China Miéville, Perdido Street Station, →ISBN

   Synonyms: imitator