PURSUIVANT Meaning and
Definition
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A pursuivant is a noun referring to an official or messenger, who holds various subordinate positions within a heraldic institution or organization. The term derived from Middle English, combining the words 'pursue' and 'iant', suggesting the individual who actively pursues matters or duties assigned to them. Pursuivants are commonly found in societies that uphold heraldry and genealogy, such as chivalric orders, royal courts, and noble families.
Typically, the responsibilities of a pursuivant include carrying out administrative tasks, giving ceremonial announcements, and assisting in organizing official processions. They act as heraldic assistants, contributing to the identification, documentation, and safeguarding of coats of arms, as well as the arrangement of armorial displays and ceremonies.
Pursuivants are known for wearing distinctive tabards or coats emblazoned with the coat of arms of the organization they serve. This attire distinguishes them from other heraldic officials and allows them to perform their roles with recognized authority. While pursuivants hold a lower rank than heralds or kings of arms, their contributions remain crucial, as they ensure the smooth functioning and preservation of heraldic practices.
In summary, a pursuivant is an official messenger and administrative assistant who serves in a heraldic institution. They are responsible for fulfilling various duties related to heraldry, genealogy, and ceremonial events.
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A state messenger; one of the four junior officers in the Heralds College, named respectively Portcullis, Rouge Dragon, Blue Mantle, and Rouge Croix.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PURSUIVANT
- poyrsuivant
- lursuivant
- -ursuivant
- 0ursuivant
- pyrsuivant
- phrsuivant
- pjrsuivant
- pirsuivant
- p8rsuivant
- p7rsuivant
- puesuivant
- pudsuivant
- pufsuivant
- putsuivant
- pu5suivant
- pu4suivant
- purauivant
- purzuivant
- purxuivant
- purduivant
Etymology of PURSUIVANT
The word "pursuivant" has its origins in Middle English and Old French. It is derived from the Old French word "poursuivant", which comes from the verb "poursuir", meaning "to chase" or "to pursue". The word was initially used in the context of heraldry, referring to a junior officer of arms who pursued or announced someone or something.
In heraldry, a pursuivant is responsible for delivering messages, organizing tournaments, and assisting in ceremonial events. The word "pursuivant" gradually evolved to encompass similar roles in various areas, such as the law, diplomacy, and academia.
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