messenger Meaning, Definition & Usage

Mes"sen*ger noun

Etymology

OE. messager, OF. messagier, F. messager. See Message.

Definitions

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.
2. One who, or that which, foreshows, or foretells.

   Yon gray lines That fret the clouds are messengers of day. Shak.

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.
4. (Law) A person appointed to perform certain ministerial duties under bankrupt and insolvent laws, such as to take charge og the estate of the bankrupt or insolvent. Bouvier. Tomlins. Syn. -- Carrier; intelligencer; courier; harbinger; forerunner; precursor; herald.