Poursuivant

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Poursuivant \Pour"sui*vant\, n.
     See {Pursuivant}.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:



  Pursuivant \Pur"sui*vant\, n. [F. poursuivant, fr. poursuivre.
     See {Pursue}, and cf. {Pursuant}.] [Written also
     {poursuivant}.]
     1. (Heralds' College) A functionary of lower rank than a
        herald, but discharging similar duties; -- called also
        {pursuivant at arms}; an attendant of the heralds. Also
        used figuratively.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The herald Hope, forerunning Fear,
              And Fear, the pursuivant of Hope.     --Longfellow.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The king's messenger; a state messenger.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              One pursuivant who attempted to execute a warrant
              there was murdered.                   --Macaulay.
        [1913 Webster]

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  POURSUIVANT. A follower, a pursuer. In the ancient English law, it signified 
  an officer who attended upon the king in his wars, at the council table, 
  exchequer, in his court, &e., to be sent as a messenger. A poursuivant was, 
  therefore, a messenger of the king.