资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Messenger \Mes"sen*ger\, n. [OE. messager, OF. messagier, F.
   messager. See {Message}.]
   1. One who bears a message; the bearer of a verbal or written
      communication, notice, or invitation, from one person to
      another, or to a public body; specifically, an office
      servant who bears messages.

   2. One who, or that which, foreshows, or foretells.

            Yon gray lines That fret the clouds are messengers
            of day.                               --Shak.

   3. (Naut.) A hawser passed round the capstan, and having its
      two ends lashed together to form an endless rope or chain;
      -- formerly used for heaving in the cable.

   4. (Law) A person appointed to perform certain ministerial
      duties under bankrupt and insolvent laws, such as to take
      charge og the estate of the bankrupt or insolvent.
      --Bouvier. Tomlins.

   Syn: Carrier; intelligencer; courier; harbinger; forerunner;
        precursor; herald.

   {Messenger bird}, the secretary bird, from its swiftness.