household troops

American  

plural noun

1. troops guarding or attending a sovereign or a sovereign's residence.

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household troops British  

plural noun

1. the infantry and cavalry regiments that carry out escort and guard duties for a head of state

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Etymology

Origin of household troops

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

In a recent book called Twentieth Century Socialism, the "household troops" made some startling admissions.

From Time Magazine Archive

The rajah himself has gone out, with the household troops and a battery of artillery, to put down the tumult.

From At the Point of the Bayonet A Tale of the Mahratta War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

There was a review of the household troops, commanded by Lord Cardigan, who had led the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava, and who rode the same charger.

From France in the Nineteenth Century by Latimer, Elizabeth

Advancing with my attendant, I met household troops of the Pototskis, the Vishnyevetskis, the Kisiels, the Zbaraskis, in various uniforms, black, red, and many-colored, now quota troops of the Commonwealth, now squadrons of the king.

From Hania by Sienkiewicz, Henryk

Rao Phurkay has engaged to bring the Peishwa's household troops over, when the signal is given.

From At the Point of the Bayonet A Tale of the Mahratta War by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)