pursuivant

Etymology

From Middle English pursevant et al., from Old French pursuivant, present participle of pursuivre (“to follow”). Doublet of pursuant.

noun

1. (archaic) A follower
2. (heraldry) A functionary of lower rank than a herald, but discharging similar duties; called also pursuivant at arms; an attendant of the heralds, e.g. in the College of Arms.
   The herald Hope, forerunning Fear, / And Fear, the pursuivant of Hope. 1845, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, To A Child
3. (Freemasonry) A Grand Lodge Officer who guards the inner door during a meeting of the Grand Lodge
4. A royal messenger, (particularly) one with the authority to execute warrants.
5. (law enforcement, by extension) A warrant officer.