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yeoman of the guard

American  

noun

  1. a member of the bodyguard of the English sovereign, instituted in 1485, which now consists of 100 men, including officers, having purely ceremonial duties.


yeoman of the guard British  

noun

  1. a member of the bodyguard ( Yeomen of the Guard ) of the English monarch. This unit was founded in 1485 and now retains ceremonial functions only

"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

Etymology

Origin of yeoman of the guard

First recorded in 1475–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The French inventing all sorts of vexatious delays, the yeomen of the guard at last jostled them out, carting them off in nearly forty coaches.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the yeomen of the guard, in England.

From Project Gutenberg

The abbot was summoned to administer the extreme unction, and the yeomen of the guard were called to see him die.

From Project Gutenberg

The great man upon his horse, towering above the yeomen of the guard who surrounded him, lifted his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

With that he had him presently up into the guard chamber, telling one of the yeomen of the guard there was one that inquired for Harry Tudor.

From Project Gutenberg