Escort \Es*cort"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Escorted; p. pr. & vb. n. Escorting.]

[Cf. F. escorter, It. scortare. See Escort, n.]

To attend with a view to guard and protect; to accompany as safeguard; to give honorable or ceremonious attendance to; -- used esp. with reference to journeys or excursions on land; as, to escort a public functionary, or a lady; to escort a baggage wagon.

Syn: To accompany; attend. See Accompany.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Escort \Es"cort\, n. [F. escorte, It. scorta a guard or guide, fr. scorgere to perceive, discern, lead, fr. L. ex out, quite + corrigere to correct, set right. See Correct.]

1. A body of armed men to attend a person of distinction for the sake of affording safety when on a journey; one who conducts some one as an attendant; a guard, as of prisoners on a march; also, a body of persons, attending as a mark of respect or honor; -- applied to movements on land, as convoy is to movements at sea.

The troops of my escort marched at the ordinary rate. --Burke.

2. Protection, care, or safeguard on a journey or excursion; as, to travel under the escort of a friend.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)