/bool"weuhrk, -wawrk, bul"-/ , n.
1. a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart.
2. any protection against external danger, injury, or annoyance: The new dam was a bulwark against future floods.
3. any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt: Religion was his bulwark.
4. Usually, bulwarks . Naut. a solid wall enclosing the perimeter of a weather or main deck for the protection of persons or objects on deck.
v.t.
5. to fortify or protect with a bulwark; secure by or as if by a fortification.
[ 1375-1425; late ME bulwerk, prob. bolwerc, equiv. to bol ( l ) e BOLE 1 + werk WORK (n.); cf. BOULEVARD ]
Syn. 3. support, buttress, mainstay.