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Webster 1913 Edition
Forerunner
Fore-run′ner
,Noun.
1.
A messenger sent before to give notice of the approach of others; a harbinger; a sign foreshowing something; a prognostic;
as, the
. forerunner
of a feverWhither the
forerunner
in for us entered, even Jesus. Heb. vi. 20.
My elder brothers, my
forerunners
, came. Dryden.
2.
A predecessor; an ancestor.
[Obs.]
Shak.
3.
(Naut.)
A piece of rag terminating the log line.
Webster 1828 Edition
Forerunner
FORERUN'NER
,Noun.
1.
A messenger sent before to give notice of the approach of others; a harbinger.My elder brothers, my forerunners came.
2.
An ancestor or predecessor. Obs.3.
A prognostic; a sign foreshowing something to follow. Certain pains in the head, back and limbs are the forerunners of a fever.