Sailors who are stationed at the stern or rear of a ship, or a naval watch or group of guards positioned in the rear.
From 'after' (Old English 'æfter', meaning 'behind') combined with 'guard' (Old Norse 'gwarðian', from Frankish 'warda'). Traditional nautical military term.
The afterguard on naval ships had high status—they served officers and learned navigation by watching the ship's helm, making them training grounds for future captains and admirals.
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