vanguard

Universal Words noun (usually the vanguard) [sing.] 1 the leaders of a movement in society, for example in politics, art, industry, etc: The company is proud to be in the vanguard of scientific progress. * The party claimed to be the vanguard of the world revolutionary movement. 2 the part of an army, etc. that is at the front when moving forward to attack the enemy: The army was advancing steadily and the vanguard was already at the border. OPPREARGUARD