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n. 1. The foremost position in an army or fleet advancing into battle. 2. a. The foremost or leading position in a trend or movement. b. Those occupying a foremost position. [Middle English vandgard, from avaunt garde, from Old French : avaunt, before (from Latin abante; see ADVANCE) + garde, guard (from garder, to guard; see GUARD).] vanguard·ism n. vanguard·ist n. |
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