outrunner

American  

[out-ruhn-er] / ˈaʊtˌrʌn ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that runs ahead or outside.

2. an attendant who runs before or beside a carriage.

3. the leader of a team of dogs.

4. a forerunner.

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outrunner British  

/ ˈaʊtˌrʌnə /

noun

1. an attendant who runs in front of a carriage, etc

2. the leading dog in a sled team

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Etymology

Origin of outrunner

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + runner

Example Sentences

Near the edge of the great forest, which sent an outrunner, as it were, far into the cultivated fields, an immense bird of prey was drawing its wide circles.

From Problematic Characters A Novel by Spielhagen, Friedrich

The rest of the party took it more leisurely, so their outrunner easily gained her point; and having put the fire in order stood at the door to watch the progress of the coming invasion.

From Say and Seal, Volume I by Warner, Susan

It was the last outrunner of the mountains at this side, and formed here the border of the German troops.

From The Sign of Flame by Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)