body-guard
(ˈbɒdɪˌgɑːd)
[cf. F. garde du corps.]
1. A guard for the person (esp. of a sovereign or dignitary); a retinue or escort.
| a 1735 Arbuthnot Wks. II. 107 (Jod.) Several bees go with him, as a bodyguard. 1738 F. Moore Trav. II. 404 (Jod.) Troops..with increased pay and exclusive privileges under the denomination of bodyguards. 1768 Tucker Lt. Nat. II. 182 That body-guard of Popery the Jesuits. 1820 Scott Abbot xxi, A page is a formidable addition to my body-guard of females. 1822 Byron Werner i. i. 676 I'll promote you to the ranks In the prince's body-guard. 1847 Grote Greece (1862) III. xlii. 513. |
| fig. 1858 J. Martineau Studies Chr. 72 Defended by a body-guard of passions. |
2. A soldier of the body-guard, a guard's-man.
| 1861 W. Sargent André 390 The..execution..of one of the body-guards. |