noun
avant
noun
1
The leading or front section of an army; the vanguard.
"The avant pushed ahead to scout the enemy's position."
How to Use Avant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated military term for the troops that go ahead of the main force.
Word Forms
avants plural
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The _____ pushed ahead to scout the enemy's position.
Etymology
Shortened from avant-garde, itself from French avant ("before, ahead") and garde ("guard").