1. the crew or sailors stationed at the stern (rear) of a ship to manage the sails and rigging in that area
Usage: nautical; historical
2. the after part or stern section of a ship
Usage: nautical; archaic

Examples

• The afterguard worked the mizzen sail during the storm.
• The captain stationed the most experienced sailors in the afterguard.
• Orders were relayed from the quarterdeck to the afterguard.
• The afterguard maintained the rigging at the rear of the vessel.
• Young sailors often began their training with the forecastle crew before advancing to the afterguard.