I. ˈbi-və-ˌwak, ˈbiv-ˌwak noun
Etymology: French, from Low German biwacht, from bi by + wacht guard
Date: 1819
1. : a usually temporary encampment under little or no shelter
2.
a. : encampment usually for a night
b. : a temporary or casual shelter or lodging
II. verb
( -ouacked ; -ouack·ing )
Date: 1809
intransitive verb
1. : to make a bivouac : camp
2. : to take shelter often temporarily
transitive verb
: to provide temporary quarters for
they were bivouacked in the gym during the storm