rearguard

[ reer-gahrd ]

/ ˈrɪərˌgɑrd /

of or relating to a rear guard.

designed to oppose or prevent in a defensive way: a rearguard strategy.

Origin of rearguard

First recorded in 1895–1900; attributive use of rear guard

These would be setbacks, but they would also be rearguard actions that wouldn't hold for long.

The New Abortion Poll and Obama's Biggest Impact |Michael Tomasky |January 22, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
A rearguard action by a determined minority may hold back the tide of history for a while.

How Straight Marriage’s Evolution Led to Obama’s Gay-Marriage Endorsement |Stephanie Coontz |May 14, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
The 42d remained as rearguard to cover the Engineers and burning party.

By Sheer Pluck |G. A. Henty
I thereupon reinforced the rearguard, hitherto consisting of a troop and one Maxim, by an additional half-troop and another Maxim.

The Transvaal from Within |J. P. Fitzpatrick

On the night of August 26th the regiment were rearguard to the retiring First Army.

The Irish at the Front |Michael MacDonagh
A strong division with cannon crossed the river and attacked the batteries which were covering the Southern rearguard.

The Sword of Antietam |Joseph A. Altsheler
Feisal attempted no real resistance, fighting only a rearguard action and withdrawing into the desert.

The New World of Islam |Lothrop Stoddard

rearguard

/ (ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd) /

a detachment detailed to protect the rear of a military formation, esp in retreat

an entrenched or conservative element, as in a political party

rearguard action

C15: from Old French rereguarde (modern French arrière-garde), from rer, from Latin retro back + guarde guard; compare vanguard