bastion

bas·tion

noun \ˈbas-chən\

Definition of BASTION

1

: a projecting part of a fortification

2

: a fortified area or position

3

: stronghold 2 <the last bastion of academic standards — American Scientist>

— bas·tioned \-chənd\ adjective

Examples of BASTION

1. <the rebel army retreated to its bastion in the mountains to regroup>

Origin of BASTION

Middle French, from Old Italian bastione, augmentative of bastia fortress, derivative from dialect form of bastire to build, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German besten to patch

First Known Use: 1562

Related to BASTION

Synonyms: fort, castle, citadel, fastness, fortification, fortress, hold, redoubt, stronghold

Related Words: battlement, breastwork, bulwark, earthwork, embattlement, parapet, rampart; bunker, dugout; blockhouse, garrison house; alcazar, casbah (also kasbah)

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Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical