noun

1. Historical any of various officials who made proclamations, carried state messages to other sovereigns, took charge of tournaments, arranged ceremonies, etc.
2. in England, an official in charge of genealogies, coats of arms, etc.
3. a person who proclaims or announces significant news, etc.: often used in newspaper names
4. a person or thing that comes before to announce, or give an indication of, what follows; forerunner; harbinger

Etymology: ME < OFr heralt < Gmc *hariwald, army chief: see Harold

transitive verb

1. to introduce, announce, foretell, etc.
2. to publicize