bivouac

Meanings

1. An encampment for the night, usually without tents or covering.
2. Any temporary encampment.
3. A temporary shelter constructed generally for a few nights.
4. The watch of a whole army by night, when in danger of surprise or attack.
5. A structure formed by migratory ants out of their own bodies to protect the queen and larvae.

1. To set up camp.
2. To watch at night or be on guard, as a whole army.
3. To encamp for the night without tents or covering.

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from French bivouac (earlier biouac, bivac), from Alemannic German Biiwacht (“reinforcements of guard or town watch”), from bii- + Wacht (“watch, guard”).