The term 'lowly assistant' can be described by three different words: FLUNKY (6 letters), PEON (4 letters), and MINION (6 letters). A FLUNKY is a person who performs menial tasks for someone else, often with a sense of servitude. A PEON is a person who is employed to do menial or repetitive tasks, usually with little pay or status. Finally, a MINION is a person who is devoted to the service of another, often in a subordinate or subservient position. All three words describe someone who is in a low-level position and is expected to perform tasks that are not particularly important or prestigious.