Būl'wark1, n.
n. [O. Eng. bulwerke, D. bolwerk, Ger. bollwerk, Sw. bolverk, Dan. bolværk, bulværk, Fr. boulevard, boulevard, rampart, O. Fr. boulevert, boulever; bulwark, castle (It. baluardo, Sp. & Pg. baluarte, are taken from Fr.); either from Ger. bohle, plank, or bolen, M. H. Ger. boln, O. H. Ger. polōn, to roll, hurl, and Ger. werk, work, defense.]
Sense 1. (Fort.) A mound of earth round a place, capable of resisting cannon-shot, and formed with bastions, curtains, &c.; an outwork for defense; a bastion.
Sense 2. That which secures against an enemy or external annoyance; any means of defense; a screen or shelter.
Prayers are the bulwarks of piety and good conscience. Barrow.
The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament, . . . the floating bulwark of our island. Blackstone.
Sense 3. (pl.) (Naut.) The sides of a ship above the upper deck.
Synonyms—See RAMPART.