Hăr'bin-ger, n.

n. [Ger. herberger, D. herbergier, one who provides or gives lodging.] 1. One who provides lodging; especially, an officer of the English royal household who precedes the court when traveling, to provide lodgings and other accommodations. He was the best harbinger that ever King Henry had, not only taking up beforehand, but building up beautiful houses for his entertainments. Fuller. 2. A forerunner; a precursor. The birds met me first . . . and I knew by these harbingers who were coming. Landor.