vanguard etymology

Etymology:

The word "vanguard" derives from the middle English "vaunt garde," which is itself derived from the old French phrases "avant garde" (literally "advanced guard") and "avant corps" ("front corps").

Meaning:

The primary meaning of "vanguard" is:

  • The foremost part of an army or other group advancing into enemy territory.

Origin:

The concept of a vanguard has been present in military history for centuries, dating back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, for example, the hoplites who formed the phalanx were often preceded by a small group of skirmishers who engaged the enemy first to weaken their defenses.

In medieval times, the use of a vanguard became more formalized, with the emergence of specialized units such as scouts, light cavalry, and bowmen who would move ahead of the main body of troops to clear the way for an advance.

The term "vanguard" was first used in English in the late 14th century to refer to the leading division of an army. By the 16th century, it had also come to be used more broadly to refer to the leading or most advanced part of any group or movement.

vanguard relate terms

  • avant

    Etymology The word avant comes from the French word avant which means before or a

  • guard

    Etymology The word guard comes from the Middle English word garde which in turn com

  • guard

    Etymology The word guard comes from the Middle English word garde which in turn com

  • avant garde

    Etymology of Avant Garde French avant garde Literally vanguard Meaning and Origin

  • sputnik

    Etymology and Meaning The word sputnik is derived from the Russian word спутник

  • front

    Etymology The word front comes from the Old French word front which is derived from

  • point

    Etymology The word point comes from the Latin word punctum which means a prick a d

  • view

    Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words etymon true meaning an

  • position

    Etymology From Middle English posicion from Anglo Norman posicion from Old French pos

  • perspective

    Etymology Perspective comes from the Latin word perspicere which means to see throu

  • vaunt

    Etymology The word vaunt comes from the Middle English word vanten which itself deri