Vanguard
Origin
Earlier forms vandgard and (a)vantgard, derived from Old French, avan(t)garde from avant (before) + garde (guard).
Full definition of vanguard
Noun
vanguard
(plural vanguards)- The leading units at the front of an army or fleet.
- (by extension) The person(s) at the forefront of any group or movement.
- 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 4, By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.