Final answer:
A hireling is a person who works only for money, characterized by prioritizing financial compensation over other forms of dedication or allegiance. They differ from a mercenary, who specifically fights for a country other than their own for pay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term hireling refers to the fourth definition provided: a person who works only for money. This definition aligns with the context in which individuals perform tasks primarily for financial compensation rather than passion, duty, or other motivations. Unlike a mercenary, who is a person hired to fight for another country, a hireling may carry out various kinds of work but is characterized by their motivation for monetary gain over any other commitment or allegiance.
An example of a hireling, based on the options listed, might be someone who decides to take a part-time job purely for the paycheck, despite not being passionate about the job itself. In historical contexts, hirelings were often hired laborers or servants who performed their duties in exchange for wages. The negative connotation associated with the term often stems from the implication that the individual's loyalty or dedication is strictly transactional.