color guard
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A ceremonial escort for a flag: A color guard is a group of individuals, often from the military, a veterans' organization, or a marching band, assigned to carry and protect the flags (colors) during ceremonies, parades, and other formal events. 2. A performance unit: In contexts like marching bands and drum corps, a color guard is a visual performance ensemble that uses flags, rifles, sabers, and dance to interpret the music.
Usage
The term "color guard" is used to describe the group responsible for the flags in a formal, ceremonial setting. It functions as a singular collective noun (e.g., The color guard is...).
Examples
- Ceremonial Context:
- The color guard presented the flags at the opening of the Olympic Games.
- Veterans formed a color guard for the Memorial Day parade.
- Performance Context:
- The marching band's color guard performed a complex routine with silk flags.
- She auditioned for the winter guard, which is the indoor version of a color guard.
Advanced Usage
- "To stand/join the color guard": To be a member of this ceremonial or performance unit.
- He was honored to stand the color guard at his grandfather's funeral.
- "Color guard ceremony/presentation": Refers to the specific ritual of presenting the flags.
- The event began with a solemn color guard ceremony.
Variants and Related Words
- Colorguard (n): An alternative spelling, especially common in the performance arts context (e.g., winterguard).
- Flag bearer (n): An individual who carries a flag, often as part of a color guard.
- Honor guard (n): A ceremonial unit that may include a color guard among its duties.
- Winter guard (n): The indoor sport of the color guard activity, performing on gym floors without a marching band.
Synonyms
- Standard-bearers: Those who carry military or ceremonial flags.
- Flag detail: A military term for a group assigned to handle the flags.
Related Phrases
- "Post the colors": The action of the color guard placing the flags in their stands at the beginning of a ceremony.
- Please rise as the color guard posts the colors.
- "Retrieve the colors": The action of the color guard retrieving the flags at the end of a ceremony.
- The ceremony concluded as the color guard retrieved the colors.
Noun
- a ceremonial escort for the (regimental) colors