Swiss Guard

noun

1. a member of a corps of bodyguards protecting the pope, with membership restricted to natives of Switzerland.

Swiss Guard

noun

1. the bodyguard of the pope, recruited from Swiss nationals
2. a member of this bodyguard
3. one of a group of Swiss mercenaries who acted as bodyguards to the French kings: destroyed in the Revolution

Word History and Origins

Origin of Swiss Guard¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

Francis fired the uncompromising commander of his Swiss Guard.

From The Daily Beast

Even with a new leader, the Swiss Guard army will very likely still do its job.

From The Daily Beast

In September, Francis told the Swiss Guard and the Gendarme that the only real threats the Vatican faces are from within.

From The Daily Beast

The case remains a mystery and was the biggest scandal to rock the Swiss Guard.

From The Daily Beast

Another theory is that Estermann was at the core of a power struggle within the Swiss Guard itself.

From The Daily Beast

The reactionary clergy have succeeded in getting themselves regarded as the Swiss Guard of the throne.

From Project Gutenberg

You are as much mercenaries (sincere mercenaries, I grant) as were the men of the Swiss Guard.

From Project Gutenberg

The Swiss Guard stood firm, and, possibly by accident, a fusillade began.

From Project Gutenberg

The palace was held by about six thousand men, of whom some twelve hundred were regulars of the Swiss Guard.

From Project Gutenberg

And there are the Swiss Guard in Joseph's coat of many colours!

From Project Gutenberg