rear guard

noun

1. a part of an army or military force detached from the main body to bring up and guard the rear from surprise attack, especially in a retreat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rear guard¹

1475–85; < Anglo-French reregard, Old French rereguarde

Related Words

• back 
• back door 
• back end 
• backside 
• bottom 
• butt 
• rear end 
• tail