A party of soldiers charged with carrying and protecting the colours of a regiment, typically consisting of two junior officers, who carry the colours, and four sergeants or other non-commissioned officers.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Field Exercise Infantry.
Definition of colour party in US English:
colour party
(UScolor party)
noun
Military
A party of soldiers charged with carrying and protecting the colours of a regiment, typically consisting of two junior officers, who carry the colours, and four sergeants or other non-commissioned officers.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Field Exercise Infantry.