bivouac

[ biv-oo-ak, biv-wak ]

noun

1. a military encampment made with tents or improvised shelters, usually without shelter or protection from enemy fire.
2. the place used for such an encampment.

verb (used without object)

, biv·ou·acked, biv·ou·ack·ing.

1. to rest or assemble in such an area; encamp.

bivouac

/ ˈbɪvwæk; ˈbɪvʊˌæk /

noun

1. a temporary encampment with few facilities, as used by soldiers, mountaineers, etc

verb

1. intr to make such an encampment

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivouac¹

1700–10; < French < Swiss German bīwacht auxiliary patrol, equivalent to bī- by- + wacht patrol, watch

Word History and Origins

Origin of bivouac¹

C18: from French bivuac , probably from Swiss German Beiwacht , literally: by + watch

Example Sentences

In less than ten minutes, the bivouac was broken up, and our little army on the march.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a deep silence throughout the whole bivouac; some were sleeping, and those who watched were in no humour for idle chat.

From Project Gutenberg

The conjoint movement of the leaders toward the Indian bivouac was a signal for their followers to mingle and exchange greetings.

From Project Gutenberg

Ten minutes later they mounted and left their bivouac under the guidance of Lanzi.

From Project Gutenberg

Next morning Napoleon woke after his bivouac and looked to see his enemy gone, as at Pultusk and Eylau.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• continue
• endure
• go on
• hover
• last
• linger
• live
• persist
• prevail
• stand
• stop
• survive
• wait