n. [ F. escorte, It. scorta a guard or guide, fr. scorgere to perceive, discern, lead, fr. L. ex out, quite + corrigere to correct, set right. See Correct. ] 1. A body of armed men to attend a person of distinction for the sake of affording safety when on a journey; one who conducts some one as an attendant; a guard, as of prisoners on a march; also, a body of persons, attending as a mark of respect or honor; -- applied to movements on land, as convoy is to movements at sea. [ 1913 Webster ]
The troops of my escort marched at the ordinary rate. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Protection, care, or safeguard on a journey or excursion; as, to travel under the escort of a friend. [ 1913 Webster ]