outguard

A lone outguard watches the horizon from a hilltop.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Military sentry: "outguard" refers to a guard or sentinel posted at a distance from the main body of troops, serving as an advanced lookout or defensive position.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The commander stationed an outguard on the hill to watch for enemy movements. (A sentry placed far from the main force.)
  • The outguard reported no signs of danger during the night watch. (The advanced guard gave a report of safety.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as outguard": to serve in the role of an advanced sentry.
  • The scouts were ordered to act as outguard for the encampment. (To provide early warning from a distant position.)

Variants and Related Words

• Outguard (n, military): also used in broader contexts to mean any forward or external defensive position.
  • The fortress had an outguard of archers stationed beyond the main wall. (An external defensive unit.)

Synonyms

• Sentry: a soldier stationed to keep guard and watch for danger.
• Lookout: a person stationed to watch for approaching danger or events.
• Pickete (archaic): a small body of troops posted for advanced guard duty.

Related Idioms

• On the outguard: positioned as an advanced sentry.
  • The troops were placed on the outguard during the march. (They served as the forward defensive element.)

Phrasal Verbs