rear·guard 
/ˈriɚˌgɑɚd/ adjective
always used before a noun /ˈriɚˌgɑɚd/ adjective : fought or conducted by a group of soldiers at the rear of an army especially during a retreat
▪ a rearguard battle/defense ▪ The army fought a courageous rearguard action. — often used figuratively to describe an effort or fight to change or stop something that is very close to happening or being done ▪ The town has been fighting a rearguard action to prevent the multiplex from being built.
▪ a rearguard battle/defense ▪ The army fought a courageous rearguard action. — often used figuratively to describe an effort or fight to change or stop something that is very close to happening or being done ▪ The town has been fighting a rearguard action to prevent the multiplex from being built.
