Noah Webster
Harbinger
H'ARBINGER, noun [See Harbor. harbinger is properly a person who goes to provide harbor or lodgings for those that follow.]
1. In England, an officer of the king's household who rides a day's journey before the court when traveling, to provide lodgings and other accommodations.
2. A forerunner; a precursor; that which precedes and gives notice of the expected arrival of something else.