I. ˈher-əld, ˈhe-rəld noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French heraud, herald, from Frankish * heriwald-, literally, leader of an armed force, from * heri- army + * wald- rule; akin to Old High German heri- army, waltan to rule — more at harry , wield
1.
a. : an official at a tournament of arms with duties including the making of announcements and the marshaling of combatants
b. : an officer with the status of ambassador acting as official messenger between leaders especially in war
c.
(1) : officer of arms
(2) : an officer of arms ranking above a pursuivant and below a king of arms
2. : an official crier or messenger
3.
a. : one that precedes or foreshadows
b. : one that conveys news or proclaims : announcer
it was the lark, the herald of the morn — Shakespeare
c. : one who actively promotes or advocates : exponent
Synonyms: see forerunner
II. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : to give notice of : announce
2.
a. : to greet especially with enthusiasm : hail
doctors are herald ing a new drug
b. : publicize
3. : to signal the approach of : foreshadow