bivouac
[ biv-oo-ak, biv-wak ]
/ ˈbɪv uˌæk, ˈbɪv wæk /
noun
a military encampment made with tents or improvised shelters, usually without shelter or protection from enemy fire.
the place used for such an encampment.
verb (used without object), biv·ou·acked, biv·ou·ack·ing.
to rest or assemble in such an area; encamp.
Nearby words
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for bivouac
British Dictionary definitions for bivouac
bivouac
/ (ˈbɪvʊˌæk, ˈbɪvwæk) /
noun
a temporary encampment with few facilities, as used by soldiers, mountaineers, etc
verb -acs, -acking or -acked
(intr) to make such an encampment
Word Origin for bivouac
C18: from French bivuac, probably from Swiss German Beiwacht, literally: by + watch
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for bivouac
bivouac
1702, from French bivouac (17c.), ultimately from Swiss/Alsatian biwacht "night guard," from bei- "double, additional" + wacht "guard" (see wait (v.)). Original meaning was an army that stayed up on night watch; sense of "outdoor camp" is 1853. Not a common word in English before the Napoleonic Wars. Italian bivacco is from French. As a verb, 1809, "to post troops in the night;" meaning "camp out of doors" is from 1814.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper