Rearguard
Alternative forms
Origin
rear + guard. Attested in The Song of Roland circa 1150 (rereguarde)
Full definition of rearguard
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, 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.