avant-guard \a*vant"-guard`\ ([.a]*v[aum]nt"-g[aum]rd`; 277), n.
[F. avant before + E. guard, F. avant-garde. See {Avaunt}.]
1. The van or advanced body of an army. See {Vanguard}.
[1913 Webster]
2. Same as {avant-garde}, n..
[PJC]