To protect from danger; to secure against surprise, attack, or injury; to keep in safety; to defend; to shelter; to shield from surprise or attack; to protect by attendance; to accompany for protection; to care for. To keep watch over, in order to prevent escape or restrain from acts of violence, or the like. To protect the edge of, esp. with an ornamental border; hence, to face or ornament with lists, laces, etc. To fasten by binding; to gird. To watch by way of caution or defense; to be caution; to be in a state or position of defense or safety; as, careful persons guard against mistakes. One who, or that which, guards from injury, danger, exposure, or attack; defense; protection. A man, or body of men, stationed to protect or control a person or position; a watch; a sentinel. One who has charge of a mail coach or a railway train; a conductor. Any fixture or attachment designed to protect or secure against injury, soiling, or defacement, theft or loss That part of a sword hilt which protects the hand. Ornamental lace or hem protecting the edge of a garment. A chain or cord for fastening a watch to one's person or dress. A fence or rail to prevent falling from the deck of a vessel. An extension of the deck of a vessel beyond the hull; esp., in side-wheel steam vessels, the framework of strong timbers, which curves out on each side beyond the paddle wheel, and protects it and the shaft against collision. A plate of metal, beneath the stock, or the lock frame, of a gun or pistol, having a loop, called a bow, to protect the trigger. An interleaved strip at the back, as in a scrap book, to guard against its breaking when filled. A posture of defense in fencing, and in bayonet and saber exercise. An expression or admission intended to secure against objections or censure. Watch; heed; care; attention; as, to keep guard. The fibrous sheath which covers the phragmacone of the Belemnites.