Forms: α. 6–7 van-corrier, 7 -currier, -iour. β. 7–9 van-courier. [Var. of vant- VAUNT-COURIER.] A vaunt-courier or forerunner, in lit. and fig. senses.
α. 1581. Styward, Mart. Discipl., I. 15. He is to appoint what bands shal watch & what vancorriers.
1652. Benlowes, Theoph., VII. xliv. Windes are van-curriers and postilions to Thy will.
1657. Reeve, God’s Plea, 147. Where is reformation to latch arrows,… to meet the Vancurriours in their march?
1687. trans. Sallust (1692), 287. The Vancurriers that scouted before, returning brought word, that all were friends.
β. 1670. Caveat to Conventiclers, 1. The Van couriers appeared in number about half a score.
a. 1694. Life M. Robinson (ed. Mayor), 36. All the neighbouring gentlemen knew of the master’s approach by these his vancouriers.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Van-couriers, light-armed Soldiers sent before to beat the Road, upon the approach of an Enemy.
1879. Todhunter, Alcestis, 11. What bodes this pale vancourier of fate?
