Crier

/ˈkraɪər/ noun

Definition

A person who shouts out news, announcements, or information to the public, especially a town crier in history; also means someone who cries or weeps.

Etymology

From 'cry' plus '-er' (agent noun). 'Cry' comes from Old French 'crier' (to cry out). The 'town crier' was a crucial figure in medieval and early modern towns before newspapers existed.

Kelly Says

Town criers were the original breaking news reporters—they'd ring bells and shout 'Oyez, oyez, oyez!' in the streets to announce laws, deaths, lost children, or public events. Some towns still employ town criers today as cultural figures, which is kind of like having a human newspaper walking around.

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