pursuivant
/ˈpɜɹ.sɪ.vənt/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.41 in modern English
15
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
3
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A functionary of lower rank than a herald, but discharging similar duties; an attendant of the heralds, e.g. in the College of Arms.
noun
A Grand Lodge Officer who guards the inner door during a meeting of the Grand Lodge.
noun
Example Sentences
- "How oft do they [the blessed Angels] with golden pineons, cleaue / The flitting skyes, like flying Purſuiuant, / Againſt fowle feendes to ayd vs millitant: […]"
- "The herald Hope, forerunning Fear, / And Fear, the pursuivant of Hope."
- "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."
Etymology
From Middle English pursevant et al., from Old French pursuivant, present participle of pursuivre (“to follow”). Doublet of pursuant.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈpɜɹ.sɪ.vənt/
- British English: /ˈpɜː.sɪ.vənt/