Mes"sen*ger (?), 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.
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 of the estate
of the bankrupt or insolvent. Bouvier. Tomlins.
Syn. -- Carrier; intelligencer; courier; harbinger; forerunner; precursor;
herald.
Messenger bird, the secretary bird, from its swiftness.
Hear it pronounced