I. ˈpərs(w)ə̇vənt, -)ēv- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English pursevant, from Middle French poursuivant, poursuiant, literally, follower, pursuer — more at pursuant
1. also pursuivant of arms or pursuivant at arms
a. : an inferior heraldic functionary attendant on medieval European heralds and learning the profession of heraldry : a neophyte herald
b. : an officer of arms ranking below a herald but having similar duties
2. archaic : a royal or state messenger : one with power to execute a warrant
3.
a. archaic : follower , attendant
b. : one that seeks out and follows or delves into
the literary pursuivant of the Renaissance — Delbert Clark
sometimes : one that seeks out to entrap or seize
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
obsolete : to deliver to or by a pursuivant : pursue