noun

rearguard

Rearguard (noun) means the rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.

noun

The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.

The defence, collectively the defenders.

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Etymology

From Middle English rier garde, from Anglo-Norman reregard, reregarde, rereguarde and Middle French rieregarde, from Old French rereguarde (attested in The Song of Roland, c. 1150), from rere (“after; behind”) + guarde (“guard”). By surface analysis, rear + guard. Piecewise doublet of retrogarde.

Rhymes for rearguard

guard Eduard vanguard lifeguard bodyguard safeguard blackguard

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of rearguard?

"rearguard" (noun) means the rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.

What are the different meanings of rearguard?

"rearguard" has 2 main meanings: 1. The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force; 2. The defence, collectively the defenders.