bivouac

Meanings

Noun

• An encampment for the night, usually without tents or covering.
• Any temporary encampment.
• A temporary shelter constructed generally for a few nights.
• The watch of a whole army by night, when in danger of surprise or attack.
• A structure formed by migratory ants out of their own bodies to protect the queen and larvae.

Verb

• To set up camp.
• To watch at night or be on guard, as a whole army.
• To encamp for the night without tents or covering.

Origin

• Borrowed from French bivouac (earlier biouac, bivac), from Alemannic German Biiwacht ("reinforcements of guard or town watch"), from bii- + Wacht.