Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pursuivant
Pur′sui-vant
,Noun.
[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. The herald Hope, forerunning Fear,
And Fear, the
And Fear, the
pursuivant
of Hope. Longfellow.
2.
The king's messenger; a state messenger.
One
pursuivant
who attempted to execute a warrant there was murdered. Macaulay.
Pur′sui-vant
,Verb.
T.
To pursue.
[Obs. & R.]
Their navy was
pursuivanted
after with a horrible tempest. Fuller.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pursuivant
PUR'SUIVANT
,Noun.
Definition 2024
pursuivant
pursuivant
English
Noun
pursuivant (plural pursuivants)
- (archaic) A follower
- (heraldry) A herald of the College of Arms
- A functionary of lower rank than a herald, but discharging similar duties; called also pursuivant at arms; an attendant of the heralds.
- Longfellow
- The herald Hope, forerunning Fear, / And Fear, the pursuivant of Hope.
- Longfellow
- (freemasonry) A Grand Lodge Officer who guards the inner door during a meeting of the Grand Lodge
- A royal messenger, (chiefly) one with the authority to execute warrants.
- Macaulay
- One pursuivant who attempted to execute a warrant there was murdered.
- Macaulay
- (law enforcement, by extension) A warrant officer.