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.
