| 释义 |
van-courier|ˈvænˌkʊrɪə(r)|
Forms: α. 6–7 van-corrier, 7 -currier, -iour. β. 7–9 van-courier.
[Var. of vant- vaunt-courier.]
A vaunt-courier or forerunner, in lit. and fig. senses.
α1581Styward Mart. Discipl. i. 15 He is to appoint what bands shal watch & what vancorriers. 1652E. Benlowes Theoph. vii. xliv, Windes are van-curriers and postilions to Thy will. 1657Reeve God's Plea 147 Where is reformation to latch arrows,..to meet the Vancurriours in their march? 1687tr. Sallust (1692) 287 The Vancurriers that scouted before, returning brought word, that all were friends.
β1670Caveat to Conventiclers 1 The Van couriers appeared in number about half a score. a1694Life M. Robinson (ed. Mayor) 36 All the neighbouring gentlemen knew of the master's approach by these his vancouriers. 1706Phillips (ed. Kersey), Van-couriers, light-armed Soldiers sent before to beat the Road, upon the approach of an Enemy. 1879Todhunter Alcestis 11 What bodes this pale vancourier of fate? |