Life Guards

(in Britain) a cavalry regiment forming part of the ceremonial guard of the monarch.

Compare household cavalry.

Origin of Life Guards

First recorded in 1640–50

The army was at West Point, and only the life-guards were near the quarters of the commander-in-chief.

Peggy Owen and Liberty |Lucy Foster Madison
Shining ranks of small clouds gathered on each side like life-guards in golden armour.

Little Johannes |Frederik van Eeden
In the hurry, the Prince's bonnet happening to fall off, he was served with a hat by one of the life-guards.

The Lyon in Mourning, Vol. 1 |Robert Forbes
There he was received by the duke of Northumberland, captain of the life-guards, and the lords of the regency.

The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.II. |Tobias Smollett

He is a lad of as good church-principles as any gentleman in the Life-Guards.

Old Mortality, Complete, Illustrated |Sir Walter Scott

Life Guards

(in Britain) a cavalry regiment forming part of the Household Brigade, who wear scarlet jackets and white plumes in their helmets