rearguard
UK[ˈrɪəɡɑːd]US[ˈrɪrɡɑːrd]
n
a group of soldiers who protect the rear of an army, especially during a retreat.
n
a defensive or conservative element in an organization or sphere of activity.
Morpheme Breakdown
rear
guard
rear
back
guard
protector
Etymology
the term 'rearguard' is a military formation with a transparent english compound structure. it entered middle english from the old french phrase rereguarde, itself a calque of the late latin retroguardia, literally meaning "a guard at the back." the concept is purely functional: the 'rear' element designates position, while 'guard' denotes the protective function. this literal military sense, protecting an army's retreat, later evolved metaphorically to describe any person or group defending a conservative position or fighting a defensive action in a non-military context, such as in politics or business.
Analysis
Structure: rear (back) + guard (protector)
rear (from old english rǣr, meaning "back part"; of germanic origin; functions as a noun/adjective root meaning "situated at the back"). guard (from old french garde, meaning "guardian, watch"; of germanic origin (frankish warda); functions as a noun root meaning "one who protects or watches over").
Examples
the rearguard held off the enemy long enough for the main force to escape.
he is seen as a member of the rearguard, stubbornly opposing all modern reforms in the industry.
their rearguard action in the courts delayed the implementation of the new law for years.