Pursuivant
/ˈpɜː.swiː.vənt/noun
A junior officer of arms who assists heralds and performs ceremonial or messenger duties.
Did you know?In medieval and early modern Europe, pursuivants served within the hierarchy of officers of arms, sometimes delivering challenges or proclamations under the protection of heraldic authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sekw-
“To follow”
Ancient Latin
Latin
sequī
“To follow or accompany”
Classical Latin
Latin
prōsequī
“To follow forward; pursue”
12th–13th Century
Old French
poursuivant
“Pursuing; a pursuer or attendant”
14th Century
Middle English
pursuivant
“An officer of arms ranking below a herald”
Modern English
English
pursuivant
“A junior heraldic officer or ceremonial messenger”