provost guard

American  

[proh-voh] / ˈproʊ voʊ /

noun

1. a detachment of soldiers assigned to police duties under the provost marshal.

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provost guard British  

/ prəˈvəʊ /

noun

1. (esp in the US) a detachment under command of the provost marshal

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Etymology

Origin of provost guard

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

"Then I'll do my best to get you by the provost guard," Ensign Darrin promised, turning to lead the way back.

From Dave Darrin on Mediterranean Service or, With Dan Dalzell on European Duty by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

The whole Division then moved to the vicinity of Frederick City, our Regiment being detailed in the city as provost guard.

From A Narrative of Service with the Third Wisconsin Infantry by Hinkley, Julian Wisner

The provost guard drank the most of it.

From The Story of a Strange Career Being the Autobiography of a Convict; an Authentic Document by Anonymous

It was not included in this moving column, but was assigned to the duty of serving as provost guard of the city of Little Rock during the absence of the main army.

From The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865 by Stillwell, Leander

The hospital, commissary and quartermaster’s department, with a provost guard, occupied the town.

From History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry by Rankin, R. C.