en garde

De Poincy was no doubt right—even here it was necessary to be en garde.

The captain made an almost imperceptible turn with his hand, and in an instant was again en garde.

"He should have thought of that before he uttered an insult," said Carrier, placing himself en garde.

Here they were obliged to sit until some one of their opponents got up; they also then arose and put themselves en garde.

Which little flourish being executed, and if you are well breathed—en garde, if you please.