vanguard
noun /ˈvænɡɑːd/
/ˈvænɡɑːrd/
usually the vanguard
[singular]- the leaders of a movement in society, for example in politics, art, industry, etc.
- The party claimed to be the vanguard of the world revolutionary movement.
- in the vanguard of something The company is proud to be in the vanguard of scientific progress.
- the part of an army, etc. that is at the front when moving forward to attack the enemy
- The army was advancing steadily and the vanguard was already at the border.
Word Originlate Middle English (denoting the foremost part of an army): shortening of Old French avan(t)garde, from avant ‘before’ + garde ‘guard’.