POURSUIVANT

Poursuivant \Pour"sui*vant\, n.
   See {Pursuivant}.
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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.
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            The herald Hope, forerunning Fear,
            And Fear, the pursuivant of Hope.     --Longfellow.
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   2. The king's messenger; a state messenger.
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            One pursuivant who attempted to execute a warrant
            there was murdered.                   --Macaulay.
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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.