pursuivant
Americannoun
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a heraldic officer of the lowest class, ranking below a herald.
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an official attendant on heralds.
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any attendant or follower.
noun
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the lowest rank of heraldic officer
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history a state or royal messenger
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history a follower or attendant
Etymology
Origin of pursuivant
1350–1400; < French poursuivant (present participle of poursuivre to pursue, follow ≪ Latin prōsequī ); replacing Middle English pursevant < Middle French pursivant < Latin, as above
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Previous coronations have had historic roles such as the "rouge dragon pursuivant", "unicorn pursuivant" and carriers of the "golden spur" and the "white wand".
From BBC ● Jan. 21, 2023
I heard the pursuivant remark to one of his comrades, 'This is a lucky discovery.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
Meanwhile, the pursuivant had reached the door, which Chetham had taken the precaution to fasten, and was trying to burst it open.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
They had scarcely gained the room, and fastened the door, when the pursuivant and his attendants appeared in the corridor.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
The principal functionary for Ireland is styled Ulster, king of arms: under him are two heralds, Cork and Dublin, and one pursuivant, Athlone.
From The Curiosities of Heraldry by Lower, Mark Antony
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
