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View synonyms for rear guard

rear guard

noun

  1. a part of an army or military force detached from the main body to bring up and guard the rear from surprise attack, especially in a retreat.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of rear guard1

1475–85; < Anglo-French reregard, Old French rereguarde

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Example Sentences

This was the rear guard of an army that lost a battle, firing one last volley before retreating.

The D.C. Circuit has been their springboard for rear-guard actions against the administration, and they want to preserve it.

His corps bore its share in the horrors of the retreat from Moscow, forming for some time the rear guard.

They sank above the fetlocks at every step in the soft snow.Last of all came the rear guard, armed with bows and javelins.

At this opportune moment Lieutenant Hale came galloping up with the rear guard.

We followed the Burkesville road something like a mile, and in sight of the rear-guard.

The snow lay deep upon the ground, and the rear-guard had scarcely quitted the camp before it was attacked by the enemy.

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