en garde

[ ahn gahrd; French ahn gard ]

interjection

, Fencing.

1. (used as the call to the fencers by the director of a match to assume the prescribed position preparatory to action.)

en garde

/ ɑ̃ ɡard /

interjection

1. on guard; a call to a fencer to adopt a defensive stance in readiness for an attack or bout

adjective

1. (of a fencer) in such a stance

Word History and Origins

Origin of en garde¹

< French: on guard

Example Sentences

De Poincy was no doubt right—even here it was necessary to be en garde.

From Project Gutenberg

The captain made an almost imperceptible turn with his hand, and in an instant was again en garde.

From Project Gutenberg

"He should have thought of that before he uttered an insult," said Carrier, placing himself en garde.

From Project Gutenberg

Here they were obliged to sit until some one of their opponents got up; they also then arose and put themselves en garde.

From Project Gutenberg

Which little flourish being executed, and if you are well breathed—en garde, if you please.

From Project Gutenberg