Van-courier

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Van-courier \Van"-cou`ri*er\, n. [F. avant-courrier. See
   {Avant}, {Van} of an army, and {Courier}, and cf.
   {Avant-courier}, {Vaunt-courier}.]
   One sent in advance; an avant-courier; a precursor.
   [1913 Webster]