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Webster 1913 Edition


Bivouac

Biv′ouac

,
Noun.
[F.
bivouac
,
bivac
, prab. fr. G.
beiwache
, or
beiwacht
;
bei
by, near +
wachen
to watch,
wache
watch, guard. See
By
, and
Watch
.]
(Mil.)
(a)
The watch of a whole army by night, when in danger of surprise or attack.
(b)
An encampment for the night without tents or covering.

Biv′ouac

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Bivouacked
([GREEK]);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Bivouacking
.]
(Mil.)
(a)
To watch at night or be on guard, as a whole army.
(b)
To encamp for the night without tents or covering.

Webster 1828 Edition


Bivouac

BIVOUAC

,
Noun.
[L. vigilo.] The guard or watch of a whole army, as in cases of great danger of surprise or attack.

BIVOUAC

,
Verb.
T.
To watch or be on guard, as a whole army.
[This word anglicized would be bewatch.]