I. ˈbu̇l-(ˌ)wərk, -ˌwȯrk; ˈbəl-(ˌ)wərk; sense 3 also ˈbə-ˌläk noun
Etymology: Middle English bulwerke, from Middle Dutch bolwerc, from bolle tree trunk + werc work
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : rampart
b. : breakwater , seawall
2. : a strong support or protection
3. : the side of a ship above the upper deck — usually used in plural
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
: to fortify or safeguard with a bulwark