rearguard

or rear-guard

[ reer-gahrd ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a rear guard.
2. designed to oppose or prevent in a defensive way:

   a rearguard strategy.

rearguard

/ ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd /

noun

1. a detachment detailed to protect the rear of a military formation, esp in retreat
2. an entrenched or conservative element, as in a political party
3. rearguard action
   1. an action fought by a rearguard
   2. a defensive action undertaken to try to stop something happening or continuing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearguard¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; attributive use of rear guard

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearguard¹

C15: from Old French rereguarde (modern French arrière-garde ), from rer , from Latin retro back + guarde guard ; compare vanguard

Example Sentences

The Texas legislation may end up being a rearguard action in a battle already lost for the hearts and minds of a new generation.

From Washington Post

But the conservatives are executing a classic rearguard action.

From The Daily Beast

These would be setbacks, but they would also be rearguard actions that wouldn't hold for long.

From The Daily Beast

A rearguard action by a determined minority may hold back the tide of history for a while.

From The Daily Beast

He had scarcely pointed my attention to the movement, when the whole body of the rearguard was in full and rapid advance.

From Project Gutenberg

While the rearguard of Lee's army was retreating toward Lynchburg, the rest of his army was retreating from Petersburg.

From Project Gutenberg

When the terrible retreat begins, Julian finds himself in the rearguard of the French army, fighting desperately.

From Project Gutenberg

Once or twice I was within range of a pair of old bulls, who seemed to act as a rearguard.

From Project Gutenberg

At Deep Creek the rearguard turned on us, and a severe skirmish took place.

From Project Gutenberg