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harbinger

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The definition of a harbinger is something or someone who announces that something or someone is coming.

(noun)

Thunder is an example of a harbinger of a rainstorm.

See harbinger in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Historical an advance representative of an army or royal party, who arranged for lodging, entertainment, etc.
a person or thing that comes before to announce or give an indication of what follows; herald

Origin: ME herbergeour (with intrusive -n-) < OFr herbergeor, provider of lodging < herberge, a shelter < Frank (or OHG) heriberga, shelter for soldiers < heri, army (see harry) + berga, a shelter < bergan, to protect: see bury

transitive verb

to serve as harbinger of

See harbinger in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

One that indicates or foreshadows what is to come; a forerunner.

transitive verb har·bin·gered, har·bin·ger·ing, har·bin·gers

To signal the approach of; presage.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English herbengar, person sent ahead to arrange lodgings

Origin: , from Old French herbergeor

Origin: , from herbergier, to provide lodging for

Origin: , from herberge, lodging