harbinger

Definition

A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.

Etymology

The word originates from the Middle English 'herbergeour,' which referred to someone sent ahead to provide lodging for a traveling army or royalty. It evolved from the Old French 'herberger,' meaning to provide shelter or harbor.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe the appeals court's ruling as a potential sign of how the Supreme Court might decide a similar future case. It matters here because it frames the current legal decision as a preview of shifting national trends.

Appeals court strikes down New Jersey’s assault weapons ban, magazine limits

Politico

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