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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. 2023

How to use advance guard in a sentence

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
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