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The Collaborative International Dictionary
pursuivant at arms

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.

    The herald Hope, forerunning Fear, And Fear, the pursuivant of Hope.
    --Longfellow.

  2. The king's messenger; a state messenger.

    One pursuivant who attempted to execute a warrant there was murdered.
    --Macaulay.