Ambush | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Am'bush, n.

noun

n. [Fr. embûche, O. Fr. embûsche, embosche. See AMBUSCADE.] 1. The act of attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station. Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege Of ambush from the deep. Milton. 2. A concealed station, where troops or enemies lie in wait to attack by surprise; an ambuscade. Bold in close ambush, base in open field. Dryden. 3. The troops posted in a concealed place, for attacking by surprise. Lay thee an ambush for the city. Josh. viii. 2.

Am'bush, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. AMBUSHED; p. pr. & vb. n. AMBUSHING.] To station in ambush with a view to surprise an enemy.

By ambushed men behind their temple laid, We have the king of Mexico betrayed. Dryden.

Am'bush, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To lie in wait, for the purpose of attacking by surprise.

Nor saw the snake that ambushed for his prey. Trumbull.