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
One amongst their number, who appeared to act as leader, and whom, from his garb, and the white wand he carried, Viviana knew must be a pursuivant, now proceeded to interrogate the prisoner.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
Several are on horseback, and I think I discern the pursuivant amongst the number.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
As no answer was returned to the application, the pursuivant commanded his men to burst open the door; and the order was promptly obeyed.
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
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.
