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rearguard. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
rearguard, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
rearguard in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
rearguard you have here. The definition of the word
rearguard will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Alternative forms
Etymology
rear + guard. Attested in The Song of Roland circa 1150 (rereguarde). Doublet of retrogarde.
Pronunciation
Noun
rearguard (plural rearguards)
- (military) The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
- (soccer) The defence, collectively the defenders.
2011 January 22, Phil McNulty, “Aston Villa 1 - 0 Man City”, in BBC:Mancini's side only showed enough ambition when it was too late and by then battle lines were drawn as James Collins and former City captain Richard Dunne fought a magnificent rearguard action at the heart of Villa's defence.
Usage notes
- Usually used attributively.
Antonyms
Coordinate terms
Derived terms
Translations
the rearmost part of a force