Pursuivant
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 A functionary of lower rank than a herald, but discharging similar duties; an attendant of the heralds, e.g. in the College of Arms.
"How oft do they [the blessed Angels] with golden pineons, cleaue / The flitting skyes, like flying Purſuiuant, / Againſt fowle feendes to ayd vs millitant: […]"
- 2 A Grand Lodge Officer who guards the inner door during a meeting of the Grand Lodge.
- 3 A royal messenger, (particularly) one with the authority to execute warrants.
"The law was altogether without force in the highlands which lie on the south of the vale of Tralee. No officer of justice willingly ventured into those parts. One pursuivant who in 1680 attempted to execute a warrant there was murdered."
- 4 A warrant officer. broadly
- 5 A follower. archaic
Example
More examples"How oft do they [the blessed Angels] with golden pineons, cleaue / The flitting skyes, like flying Purſuiuant, / Againſt fowle feendes to ayd vs millitant: […]"
Etymology
From Middle English pursevant et al., from Old French pursuivant, present participle of pursuivre (“to follow”). Doublet of pursuant.
Related phrases
More for "pursuivant"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.