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 og 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.
© Webster 1913.