Rearguard

usgb/ˈrɪrɡɑːrd/
noun

The last part of an army or people who move from a place.

The rearguard of the party were struggling to keep up with the rest.
Visual representation of "rearguard" - The last part of an army or people who move from a place.

Often appears as...

  • rearguard action
  • rearguard fight
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "rearguard"
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Military Origin

Originally refers to the last unit in a military formation, protecting from behind.

Illustration for Military Origin
The general ordered the rearguard to hold the line while the rest retreated.
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Group Movement

Used to describe the group at the back in any organized movement or process.

Illustration for Group Movement
During the hike, the rearguard helped ensure no one was left behind.
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Not Literal

Doesn't always involve an actual army, can refer to any trailing part of a group.

Illustration for Not Literal
The slower students formed a rearguard, trailing the class on the field trip.
Visual representation of the word "Rearguard"

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