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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Rer(e)-gard, Reir-gard(e, -gaird(e, n. Also: reyr-, reeir-, riere-. [e.m.E. rier garde (Caxton), rere- (c1500), OF riere garde (1080 in Greimas) AF reregard, rergarde (c1307).] The rearguard of an army. See also Rer(e)ward(e n.(1) ?1438 Alex. i 1426.
The rergard was in his leding 1460 Hay Alex. (S.T.S.) 1742.
Baith vangard reirgard and the gret battall 1513 Doug. p. 274 (Ruddim.).
Reyrgard 1565 Reg. Privy C. I 379.
The reirgard to be led be George Erle of Huntlie a1578 Pitsc. I 73/16.
In the reeir gaird was all the Waldmen placed 1610 Misc. Hist. Soc. II 220.
Devyding thair smal forces in vangarde & rieregarde(2) 1460 Hay Alex. (S.T.S.) 921.
In reirgarde a battall stark he made(3) a1568 Bann. MS 257b/44.
Had I wist was me to latt Keipand the reirgaird evirmoir 1570 Leslie 197.
The Erle of Angus having the vangaird, the Erle of Huntlie the reirgairde