messenger

n. [ OE. messager, OF. messagier, F. messager. See Message. ] 1. One who bears a message; the bearer of a verbal or written communication, notice, or invitation, from one person to another, or to a public body; specifically, an office servant who bears messages. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who, or that which, foreshows, or foretells. [ 1913 Webster ]

Yon gray lines
That fret the clouds are messengers of day. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Naut.) A hawser passed round the capstan, and having its two ends lashed together to form an endless rope or chain; -- formerly used for heaving in the cable. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Law) A person appointed to perform certain ministerial duties under bankrupt and insolvent laws, such as to take charge of the estate of the bankrupt or insolvent. Bouvier. Tomlins. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Carrier; intelligencer; courier; harbinger; forerunner; precursor; herald. [ 1913 Webster ]

Messenger bird, the secretary bird, from its swiftness. [ 1913 Webster ]