(gŭrd), n. [O. Fr. guarde, N. Fr. garde, Pr. & Sp. guarda, It. & Sp. guardia, Goth. vardja, O. H. Ger. warto, warta, Eng. ward. See supra.]
1Sense 1. That which guards or secures from injury, danger, exposure, or attack; as, (a.) A man or body of men stationed to protect a person or position; a watch; a sentinel. “The guard which kept the door of the king’s house.” 1 Kings xiv. 27. (b.) One who has charge of a mail coach or a railway train; a conductor. [Eng.] (c.) An expression or admission intended to secure against objection or censure.
They have expressed themselves with as few guards and restrictions as I. Atterbury.
2Sense 2. Any fixture or attachment designed to protect or secure against injury, soiling, or defacement, theft or loss; as, (a.) Part of a sword hilt which protects the hand. (b.) Ornamental lace or hem protecting the edge of a garment. (c.) A chain or cord for fastening a time-piece to one’s person. (d.) A fence to prevent falling from the deck of a vessel. (e.) A widening of the deck of a steamboat by a framework of strong timbers, which curve out on each side to the water-wheel, and protect it and the shaft against collision.
3Sense 3. (Fencing.) A posture of defense.
Advanced guard, or vanguard (Mil.), a body of troops, either horse or foot, marching before an army or division, to prevent surprise, or give notice of danger.—Grand guard, one of the posts of the second line belonging to a system of advance posts of an army. Mahan.—Guard mounting, the parade of mounting on a guard.—Life guard, a body of select troops, whose duty is to defend the person of a prince or other officer.—Off the guard, in a careless state; inattentive.—On guard, acting or serving as a guard.—On the guard, in a watchful state; vigilant.—Rear guard, a body of troops marching in the rear of an army or division, for its protection.—To run the guard, to pass the watch or sentinel without leave.
Synonyms—Defense; shield; protection; safeguard; convoy; escort; care; attention; watch; heed.