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 of 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.