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
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 Mark Antony Lower
Abashed at this reproof, the pursuivant stalked out of the room.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by William Harrison Ainsworth
At the young merchant's request, the turf-cutter went in the course of the day to see what had become of the pursuivant.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by William Harrison Ainsworth
The title of Blue Mantle pursuivant, as old as the reign of Edward III., suggests a like usage in England.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various
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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.
