Harbinger
following form a conversation yesterday with copperbird and Rob, here's the etymology of "harbinger":
Middle English. From Old French herbergere (originally from OHG words meaning "army" + "protect"). Originally meant "one who provides shelter, accommodation etc for an army on the move". Then from this (as such people would go ahead of the main force to arrange lodgings), "one who goes ahead, is sent on before". From this, we get the modern figurative sense of "herald, forerunner, one announcing the approach of someone or something".
Middle English. From Old French herbergere (originally from OHG words meaning "army" + "protect"). Originally meant "one who provides shelter, accommodation etc for an army on the move". Then from this (as such people would go ahead of the main force to arrange lodgings), "one who goes ahead, is sent on before". From this, we get the modern figurative sense of "herald, forerunner, one announcing the approach of someone or something".