Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun military The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
  • noun soccer The defence, collectively the defenders.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a detachment assigned to protect the rear of a (retreating) military body

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

rear +‎ guard. Attested in The Song of Roland circa 1150 (rereguarde)

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Examples

Comments

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  • a defensive or conservative element in an organization or community.

    September 25, 2014