Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

avant-courier

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.19 in modern English

Syllables: avan-t--couri-er
IPA

17

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

5

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A person dispatched before another person or company, to give notice of his or their approach; a scout or herald.

Example Sentences

"Mr Farrer reached Calcutta some time before them, announcing himself as the avant-courier of His Majesty's new court, in which he was to be the leading advocate."
"Her heart sickened with impatience, the time seemed longer now that they drew so near; gradually, the long shadows mingled together, objects became confused, and it was necessary to light the lamps and flambeaux, and the avant-courier began to sound his horn: it was dangerous to risk meeting another carriage in the then state of the roads."

Etymology

From French avant-coureur, with alteration of second element after courier.

Origin

Source language: French

Word Breakdown

Root: avant-coureur

Inflected Forms

avant-couriers (plural)

Synonyms

harbinger messenger

Questions

What does avant-courier mean?: A person dispatched before another person or company, to give notice of his or their approach; a scout or herald.
Where does avant-courier come from?: It is traced to French.

How to pronounce avant-courier

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