殿
し
ん
が
り
Meanings
1
Originally a military term for the rear unit or rearguard. Now also used figuratively for the last person or thing in a sequence.
He served as the rear guard of the procession.
I run at the very back in the marathon.
2
anchor; last person
Used in sports or group activities for the person who goes last, such as the anchor leg in a relay or the final performer.
The anchor of the relay is the fastest runner on the team.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉がしんがりを務めるfor someone to serve as the rear guard/anchor
It was the veteran soldier who served as the rear guard for the retreating troops.
- しんがりを走るto run in last place (e.g. as anchor in a relay)
He was running last in the marathon, but he never gave up until the end.
- しんがりに立つto take up the rear position
In the climbing party, it's arranged that the person with the most stamina takes the rear position.