herald

1. A messenger, especially one bringing important news.

   The herald blew his trumpet and shouted that the King was dead.

2. A harbinger, giving signs of things to come.

   Daffodils are heralds of Spring.

3. An official whose speciality is heraldry, especially one between the ranks of pursuivant and king-of-arms.

   Rouge Dragon is a herald at the College of Arms.

4. A moth of the species Scoliopteryx libatrix.

1. To proclaim or announce an event.

   Daffodils herald the Spring.

2. (usually passive) To greet something with excitement; to hail.

   The film was heralded by critics.

noun

The long-tailed duck, or oldsquaw.