rear guard


rear guard

n. A detachment of troops that protects the rear of a military force.
[Middle English reregarde, from Old French : rere, backward (from Latin retrō; see re- in Indo-European roots) + guarde, guard (from guarder, to defend; see guard).]

rear′ guard′


n. a part of a military force assigned to guard the rear from attack, esp. in a retreat. rear′guard`, adj.

rear guard

1. The rearmost elements of an advancing or a withdrawing force. It has the following functions: to protect the rear of a column from hostile forces; during the withdrawal, to delay the enemy; during the advance, to keep supply routes open.
2. Security detachment that a moving ground force details to the rear to keep it informed and covered. See also guard.
Translations
Nachhut