messenger, noun

Forms:
Also with initial capital.
Origin:
South African Dutch, British EnglishShow more Probably translation of South African Dutch bode (van de hof) messenger (of the court); but cf. British English messenger ‘a government official employed to deliver dispatches’ (OED).
In full messenger of the court: an officer of a magistrate’s court responsible for the execution of orders of that court.
1810 G. Barrington Acct of Voy. 180The next step is to apply for a commission, consisting of the Landrost, two members of the Council, the Secretary of the district, and a messenger.
1872 E. Robertson Hist. Essays 114The Bode or messenger of the Court.
1972 V.G. Hiemstra in Std Encycl. of Sn Afr. VII. 345Messenger of the Court, Official who is responsible for the serving of process of the magistrate’s court and for the execution of orders of that court, including attachment of goods in civil cases and sales in execution...The process of the Water Court is also served by the Messenger of the Court.
1986 Reader’s Digest Family Guide to Law 227All magistrates’ courts have members of staff called messengers of the court...A messenger of the court is obliged to execute ‘without avoidable delay’ all processes handed to him by the clerk of the court.
In full messenger of the court:an officer of a magistrate’s court responsible for the execution of orders of that court.
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