Garde, Fr. Watch, guard, protection.
Corps de Garde du guet, Fr. Watch-house or rendezvous for the street patroles.
Garde bois, Fr. a forest-keeper.
Garde du corps, Fr. life-guard.
Garde chasse, Fr. a game-keeper.
Garde pluie, Fr. literally means a fence, or cover against rain. This machine was originally invented by a Frenchman, who left his native country to avoid persecution or unmerited neglect, and submitted it to the Prussians, who adopted it for the use of their infantry. Other armies, however, either seem ignorant of the invention, or do not think it worthy of imitation. Belair, the author of Elemens de Fortification, in his military dictionary, (which forms a small part of that interesting work,) observes, that “these machines might be rendered extremely useful in the defence of fortresses, outposts, redoubts, or retrenchments. Under the cover of them, the besieged, or the troops stationed in the posts attacked, would be able to keep up a brisk and effectual discharge of musquetry during the heaviest fall of rain, and thereby silence, or considerably damp the fire of the enemy. The garde pluie is capable of being much improved. Light corps ought to be particularly anxious for its adoption, as the service in which they are generally employed, exposes their arms to every change of weather; and by means of this cover, both themselves, and their rifles, or musquets, would be secured against rain.”
Attaquer la Garde, Fr. to make an attempt on the guard.
Une forte Garde, Fr. a strong guard.
Un piquete de Garde, Fr. a piquet guard.
La Garde à pied, Fr. the foot guards.