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Definition 2024


rearguard

rearguard

See also: rear-guard

English

Alternative forms

Noun

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:
      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

Translations