I came upon this thread while verifying the French or French-styled pronunciation of ton. In discussion of mobs from the nineteenth century quotes mentioned, it would imply the same kinds of attached meanings that hangers-on or groupies or entourage would in today's America. That is, the proper and acceptable behavior is not to be a person who in any way preens himself or herself on having a horde of followers, and to not in any way encourage or court such followers. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a notable for excellence in riding skill, or fencing, or particularly distinguished mode of apparel, et cetera might well be copied by impressed admirers but should never seem to notice or want that - he or she should seem indifferent to being so much noticed and respected. Brummell is a good example - he chose to wear little jewelry and choose dark colors with white shirts during an era when most men in high society were still in bright colors and dripping with lace and jewelry. Brummell was bathed and impeccably groomed when many others just slapped on more cologne to cover up odors. Brummell doubtless was aware that he was a leader of fashion, but the point is that he didn't appear to acknowledge it nor did he solicit groupies.