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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Bivouac

Bĭv'ouăc, n.

noun

(bĭv'wăk) (Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. bivouac, bivac, biouac, bihouac, from L. Ger. biwake, for H. Ger. beiwache, beiwacht : bei, by, near, and wachen, to watch, wache, watch, guard; Sp. bivac, vivac, vivaque.] (Mil.) (a.) The guard or watch of a whole army, as in cases of great danger of surprise or attack. (b.) An encampment for the night without tents or covering.

Bĭv'ouăc, v. t.

verbtransitive

(-wăk), v. t. [imp. & p. p. BIVOUACKED; p. pr. & vb. n. BIVOUACKING.] To watch or be on guard, as a whole army; to encamp for the night without tents or covering. “Determined to bivouac there for the night.” Irving.