<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the pressed and formed sheet-metal part mounted over the road wheels of an automobile, bicycle, etc., to reduce the splashing of mud, water, and the like.</li><li>a device on the front of a locomotive, streetcar, or the like, for clearing the track of obstructions.</li><li>a mudguard or splashboard on a horse-drawn vehicle.</li><li>Nautical: a piece of timber, bundle of rope, or the like, hung over the side of a vessel to lessen shock or prevent chafing, as between the vessel and a dock or another vessel.</li><li>a low metal guard before an open fireplace, to keep back falling coals.</li><li>a person or thing that wards something off.</li></ul>