n. [ For avant-guard. Cf. Avaunt, Van. ] The front of an army. [ Obs. ] See Van. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F., fr. avant before + courrier. See Avaunt, and Courier. ] A person dispatched before another person or company, to give notice of his or their approach. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. avant before + E. guard, F. avant-garde. See Avaunt. ] The most advanced group of people in any field of endeavor, especially in literary and artistic work, usually characterized by new ideas and experimental techniques. [ PJC ]
a.
n. [ F. avant before + E. guard, F. avant-garde. See Avaunt. ]