pursuivant

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: pur=sui=vant

CIDE DICTIONARY

pursuivant, n. [F. poursuivant, fr. poursuivre. See Pursue, and cf. Pursuant.].

•  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."  [1913 Webster]
•  The king's messenger; a state messenger.  [1913 Webster]

  "One pursuivant who attempted to execute a warrant there was murdered."  [1913 Webster]

pursuivant, v. t. 

 To pursue.  [1913 Webster]
"Their navy was pursuivanted after with a horrible tempest."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

pursuivant, n.
1 Brit. an officer of the College of Arms ranking below a herald.
2 archaic a follower or attendant.

Etymology

ME f. OF pursivant pres. part. of pursivre (as PURSUE)

ROGET THESAURUS

pursuivant

Messenger

N messenger, envoy, emissary, legate, nuncio, internuncio, ambassador, marshal, flag bearer, herald, crier, trumpeter, bellman, pursuivant, parlementaire, apparitor, courier, runner, dak, estafette, Mercury, Iris, Ariel, commissionaire, errand boy, chore boy, newsboy, mail, overnight mail, express mail, next-day delivery, post, post office, letter bag, delivery service, United Parcel Service, UPS, Federal Express, Fedex, telegraph, telephone, cable, wire (electronic information transmission), carrier pigeon, (news) 532 reporter, gentleman of the press, representative of the press, penny-a-liner, special correspondent, own correspondent, spy, scout, informer.