Definition

Noun: A provost guard is a military police unit or detachment operating under the command of a provost marshal. Its primary duties are to maintain discipline, enforce regulations, and provide security within a military area or camp.

Usage

The term is used specifically in a military context to refer to the personnel responsible for policing functions. * The provost guard was tasked with patrolling the camp perimeter. * All personnel must present identification when requested by the provost guard.

Advanced Usage

• Historically, a provost guard often had the authority to arrest and detain soldiers for breaches of military law.
• The concept is analogous to modern military police units but is a more traditional term.

Variants and Related Words

• Provost Marshal (n): The officer in command of a provost guard or military police unit.
• Military Police (n): The modern general term for service members performing law enforcement duties within the armed forces.

Synonyms

• military police
• garrison police
• camp guard (in a historical context)

Related Phrases

• under guard: Being detained or supervised by the provost guard or military police.
  • The deserter was placed under guard.

Noun

1. a detachment under the command of a provost marshall