The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

avant-guard \a*vant"-guard`\ ([.a]*v[aum]nt"-g[aum]rd`; 277), n.
   [F. avant before + E. guard, F. avant-garde. See Avaunt.]
   1. The van or advanced body of an army. See Vanguard.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Same as avant-garde, n..
      [PJC]