1. A servant or dependent whose business it was to inform his master or patron of the names of persons, especially when engaged in canvassing for office.
2. A steward or usher who assigned or indicated the places of guests at a banquet.
3. One who announces, or imparts to another, the names of persons or guests.
4. One who gives a name to, or invents a designation for, something: specifically, one who classifies natural objects under appropriate designations.