The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Poursuivant \Pour"sui*vant\, n.
See Pursuivant.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):
POURSUIVANT. A follower, a pursuer. In the ancient English law, it signified
an officer who attended upon the king in his wars, at the council table,
exchequer, in his court, &e., to be sent as a messenger. A poursuivant was,
therefore, a messenger of the king.