Meaning of the word "avant courier" in English

What does "avant courier" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

avant courier

US /əˌvɑːnt ˈkʊriər/
UK /əˌvɒnt ˈkʊriər/

Noun

a forerunner or precursor

Example:
The first signs of spring are the avant courier of warmer weather.
His early experiments were the avant courier of modern robotics.