GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Harbinger , n. [OE. herbergeour, OF. herbergeor one who provides lodging, fr. herbergier to provide lodging, F. héberger, OF. herberge lodging, inn, F. auberge; of German origin. See Harbor.]
   One who provides lodgings; especially, the officer of the English royal household who formerly preceded the court when traveling, to provide and prepare lodgings.
   Fuller.
   
   1913 Webster
   A forerunner; a precursor; a messenger.
   1913 Webster
   I knew by these harbingers who were coming.
   Landor.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Harbinger, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Harbingered ; p. pr. & vb. n. Harbingering.] To usher in; to be a harbinger of. “Thus did the star of religious freedom harbinger the day.”  
   Bancroft.
   
   1913 Webster