advance guard

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noun

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

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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

advance guard

noun

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Nearby words

Origin of advance guard

Examples from the Web for advance guard

advance guard

noun