REAR, a term frequently used in composition to denote
something behind or backwards in respect of another. It is used in opposition to van. It Rear of an army is used in opposition to van.
REAR of an Army signifies, in general, the hindmost part of an army, battalion, regiment, or squadron; and also the ground behind either. Reauze.
REAR-GUARD is that body of an army which marches after the main body. The march of an army is always composed of an advanced guard, a main body, and a rear-guard; the first and last commanded by a general.
REAR-HALF-FILES are the three hindmost ranks of the battalion when it is drawn up six deep.
REAR-LINE of an army encamped, is always twelve hundred feet at least from the centre line, both of which run parallel to the front line, as also to the reserve.
REAR-RANK is the last rank of a battalion when drawn up, and generally sixteen or eighteen feet from the centre line when drawn up in order.