Pursuivant

2 definitions found

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

  Pursuivant \Pur"sui*vant\, v. t.
     To pursue. [Obs. & R.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Their navy was pursuivanted after with a horrible
           tempest.                                 --Fuller.


     [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]