pursuivant
Americannoun
-
a heraldic officer of the lowest class, ranking below a herald.
-
an official attendant on heralds.
-
any attendant or follower.
noun
-
the lowest rank of heraldic officer
-
history a state or royal messenger
-
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
Ulster holds office by patent, during pleasure; under him the Irish office of arms consists of two heralds, Cork and Dublin; and a pursuivant, Athlone.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various
If a pursuivant bestrode him, he might discover through his means who be recusants a hundred miles around.
From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by Rameur, E.
It was the pursuivant, who, with the prudence that characterized all his proceedings, had followed in the rear.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
“You must give me surety for yourself, sir,” replied the pursuivant.
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.
