n.
Pronunciation: ' bas-ch ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: 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
Date: 1562
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 \ -ch ə nd \ adjective