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.
© Webster 1913.
Pur"sui*vant, v. t.
To pursue.
[Obs. & R.]
Their navy was pursuivanted after with a horrible tempest.
Fuller.
© Webster 1913.