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
Ralph Brooke, Rouge Croix pursuivant, and York herald, was contemporary with Camden and his violent adversary.
From The Curiosities of Heraldry by Mark Antony Lower
“You may spare your voice, fair lady,” sneered the pursuivant.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by William Harrison Ainsworth
“We have him,” roared the pursuivant, in a voice of triumph.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by William Harrison Ainsworth
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 William Harrison Ainsworth
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
