advance guard

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noun

a body of troops going before the main force to clear the way, guard against surprise, etc.

Nearby words

advaita, advance, advance corporation tax, advance directive, advance fee, advance guard, advance man, advance notice, advance poll, advance ratio, advanced

Origin of advance guard

First recorded in 1750–60

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for advance guard

It has had its advance-guard, its rear-guard, and its stragglers.
What Social Classes Owe to Each Other|William Graham Sumner
The bomb had been exploded over the advance-guard, and had destroyed it utterly.
Pony Tracks|Frederic Remington
The advance-guard of the expected procession now appeared in the great gateway, a troop of halberdiers.
The Prince and The Pauper, Complete|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
The advance-guard crossed first, and after them the wounded were carried to the opposite shore.
Red Eagle and the Wars With the Creek Indians of Alabama.|George Cary Eggleston

Up to this time Cyrus had met with no opposition, though he was daily expecting to see the advance-guard of his brother's army.
The Two Great Retreats of History|George Grote

British Dictionary definitions for advance guard

advance guard

noun

a military unit sent ahead of a main body to find gaps in enemy defences, clear away minor opposition, and prevent unexpected contact

a temporary military detachment sent ahead of a force to prepare for a landing or other operation, esp by making reconnaissance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012