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harbinger

harbinger definition

har·bin·ger (här′bin jər)

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

Etymology: 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

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