From Old French 'herbergere' (one who provides lodging), from Frankish *heribergōn (to shelter an army) — a forerunner who secures quarters.
A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something.
From Old French 'herbergere' (one who provides lodging, innkeeper), from 'herberge' (lodging, shelter, camp), from Frankish *heribergōn (to shelter an army), itself from Proto-Germanic *harjaz (army) + *bergōn (to protect, shelter). The PIE root *koro- or *koryo- (host, army) underlies *harjaz, while *bergōn connects to PIE *bhergh- (to hide, protect). Originally a harbinger was an advance courier sent ahead to arrange lodging and