Synonyms for harbinger


Grammar : Noun
Spell : hahr-bin-jer
Phonetic Transcription : ˈhɑr bɪn dʒər


Définition of harbinger

Origin :
  • late 15c., herbengar "one sent ahead to arrange lodgings" (for a monarch, an army, etc.), alteration of Middle English herberger "provider of shelter, innkeeper" (late 12c.), from Old French herbergeor, from herbergier "provide lodging," from herber "lodging, shelter," from Frankish *heriberga "lodging, inn" (cf. Old Saxon, Old High German heriberga "army shelter," from heri "army" + berga "shelter"); see harbor. Sense of "forerunner" is mid-16c. Intrusive -n- is 15c. (see messenger). As a verb, from 1640s (harbinge "to lodge" is late 15c.).
  • noun indication
Example sentences :
  • He looked like a harbinger of tempest, a shipmate of the Flying Dutchman.
  • Extract from : « The Village Uncle (From "Twice Told Tales") » by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • I once beheld it as the harbinger of happiness, as the temple of integrity and innocence.
  • Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin
  • John was the harbinger not alone of the kingdom but of the King; and to him the King in person came.
  • Extract from : « Jesus the Christ » by James Edward Talmage
  • Thus, therefore, did this harbinger of evil news resume the situation.
  • Extract from : « "Unto Caesar" » by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
  • The hour of triumph is often but the harbinger of defeat and shame.
  • Extract from : « A Modern History, From the Time of Luther to the Fall of Napoleon » by John Lord, A.M.
  • Harbinger expressed the opinion that the editor ought to be kicked.
  • Extract from : « The Patrician » by John Galsworthy
  • Besides, did she not know all that Harbinger could give her?
  • Extract from : « The Patrician » by John Galsworthy
  • Falling in with Harbinger, he asked him to come back to lunch.
  • Extract from : « The Patrician » by John Galsworthy
  • Why, if he's a harbinger of woe—ain't that what they call 'em?
  • Extract from : « The Panchronicon » by Harold Steele Mackaye
  • A calm to her was like a summer day in winter-time, the harbinger of coming storm.
  • Extract from : « Saronia » by Richard Short

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019