coastguard

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   chiefly British, an official employed to watch coastal waters, help vessels in danger, and enforce maritime law

   The coastguard scanned the harbour through a powerful telescope.

2. 2
   noun

   the organization responsible for coastal rescue, safety, and maritime enforcement

   The coastguard launched a helicopter to search for the missing sailors.

A compound of coast + guard, also written coast guard, especially in American English and in official names. Coast ultimately comes from Latin costa ("rib, side") through Old French; guard entered through French from a Germanic verb meaning "watch, protect." British English commonly uses the closed spelling for both an officer and the service.

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