convoy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒnvɔɪ/

noun

  • a group of ships or vehicles travelling together, typically one accompanied by armed troops, warships, or other vehicles for protection: a convoy of lorries

verb

[with object]
  • (of a warship or armed troops) accompany (a group of ships or vehicles) for protection: American destroyers helped to convoy much-needed supplies to Britain in 1917–18

Phrases

in convoy

as a group; together: the army trucks had passed through in convoy the previous evening

Origin:

late Middle English (originally Scots, as a verb in the senses 'convey', 'conduct', and 'act as escort'): from French convoyer, from medieval Latin conviare (see convey)