advance guard

American  

noun

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

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advance guard British  

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of advance guard

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

The Kenyans are the advance guard core of a UN-mandated, multinational force that will seek to restore peace to Haiti.

From BBC

At Documenta, ruangrupa first did what it always does: dispatch an advance guard and set up a ruruhouse, or ruruHaus, to be locally specific.

From New York Times

Summer thunderstorms in the Washington area are generally transient events, sweeping across city and suburb from the north or west, following an advance guard of darkening skies.

From Washington Post

At the barracks, an advance guard of protesters set about removing razor wire barricades.

From Reuters

On Black Lives Matter Plaza, a legacy of the last skirmish in the nation’s capital, an advance guard of the expected army of protesters had taken up positions by the White House fence, which was festooned with anti-Trump placards.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• forefront
• front line
• vanguard