Obs. exc. Hist. or as an alien word. Also 7–8 fourier. [a. F. fourrier, var. of OF. forrier: see FORAYER.]
1. = FORAYER.
1481. Caxton, Godfrey, lxxxiii. 131. They made semblaunt for to take fourriers and the horses nyghe them.
1604. E. Grimstone, Hist. Siege Ostend, 30. The Arch-duke had caused a Fourrier or Harbinger, a volontarie Gentleman, and a Corporall, to be put in prison, for saying that in their opinions the Towne was not ready to be taken, and that they were in danger to be hanged.
1646. Buck, Rich. III., I. 34. Wee are now to take notice of the Duke of Buckinghams revolt, for this was the preparative and fourrier of the rest.
1823. Scott, Quentin D., xxviii. ‘Reprieved or not, he that decoyed us into this snare shall go our fourrier to the next world, to take up lodgings for us,’ said the King, with a grisly and ferocious smile.
2. A quartermaster. Also brigadier-fourrier (see quot. 1895).
1678. trans. Gaya’s Art of War, II. 47. The Fourier ought to have a List of all the Soldiers of a Company.
1781. in Simes, Mil. Guide (ed. 3), 7. He [The Quarter-master-general] makes the Fourier mark the headquarters, and the quarters of the General Officers.
1895. Daily News, 22 Oct., 6/4. He had worked his way up to the enviable position of brigadier-fourrier, a sub-officer charged with accounts, lodging of men, etc.
