van-courier
(ˈvænˌkʊrɪə(r))
Forms: α. 6–7 van-corrier, 7 -currier, -iour. β. 7–9 van-courier.
[Var. of vant- vaunt-courier.]
A vaunt-courier or forerunner, in lit. and fig. senses.
| α 1581 Styward Mart. Discipl. i. 15 He is to appoint what bands shal watch & what vancorriers. 1652 E. Benlowes Theoph. vii. xliv, Windes are van-curriers and postilions to Thy will. 1657 Reeve God's Plea 147 Where is reformation to latch arrows,..to meet the Vancurriours in their march? 1687 tr. Sallust (1692) 287 The Vancurriers that scouted before, returning brought word, that all were friends. |
| β 1670 Caveat to Conventiclers 1 The Van couriers appeared in number about half a score. a 1694 Life M. Robinson (ed. Mayor) 36 All the neighbouring gentlemen knew of the master's approach by these his vancouriers. 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Van-couriers, light-armed Soldiers sent before to beat the Road, upon the approach of an Enemy. 1879 Todhunter Alcestis 11 What bodes this pale vancourier of fate? |