vaward

/ˈvɑwərd/
noun
  1. The front part of an army or fleet; the vanguard.
    • The general placed his best troops in the vaward.
    • In the battle formation, the vaward was the first to engage.
    • The vaward marched ahead to scout the enemy's position.
  2. The leading position in any movement or field; the forefront.
    • She has always been in the vaward of social reform.
    • That company is in the vaward of technological innovation.
    • The small nation found itself in the vaward of the space race.
adjective
  1. Located at the front; foremost.
    • The vaward ships led the fleet into the harbor.
    • They held the vaward position in the parade.
    • The vaward scouts reported no sign of danger.