rearguard

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See also: rear-guard

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈɹɪəɹˌɡɑɹd/

Noun

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rearguard (plural rearguards)

  1. (military) The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
  2. (soccer) The defence, collectively the defenders.
    • 2011 January 22, Phil McNulty, “Aston Villa 1 - 0 Man City”, in BBC[1]:
      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

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  • Usually used attributively.

Antonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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