pursuivant

[ pur-swi-vuhnt ]

noun

1. a heraldic officer of the lowest class, ranking below a herald.
2. an official attendant on heralds.
3. any attendant or follower.

pursuivant

/ ˈpɜːsɪvənt /

noun

1. the lowest rank of heraldic officer
2. history a state or royal messenger
3. history a follower or attendant

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuivant¹

1350–1400; < French poursuivant (present participle of poursuivre to pursue, follow ≪ Latin prōsequī ); replacing Middle English pursevant < Middle French pursivant < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of pursuivant¹

C14: from Old French, from poursivre to pursue

Example Sentences

When all was ready they led him out, and Theroulde strode before, proud to play the knight's pursuivant.

From Project Gutenberg

"Show him your warrant," said Bridgenorth to the man in black formerly mentioned, who was a pursuivant.

From Project Gutenberg

If a pursuivant bestrode him, he might discover through his means who be recusants a hundred miles around.

From Project Gutenberg

“My duty allows me no alternative,” rejoined the pursuivant, harshly.

From Project Gutenberg

Abashed at this reproof, the pursuivant stalked out of the room.

From Project Gutenberg