I. ˈbivˌwak also -vəˌw- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Low German biwake, from bi at, by (from Middle Low German bī ) + wake guard; akin to Old High German bī by, at and to Old High German wahha guard, wahhēn, wahhōn to wake — more at wake
1.
a. obsolete : the watch of a whole army by night when in danger of surprise or attack
b. : an encampment under little or no shelter usually for a short time ; also : the site of such encampment
2. : a camping out for a night ; also : a temporary or casual shelter or settlement
II. intransitive verb
( bivouacked ; bivouacked ; bivouacking ; bivouacks also bivouacs )
1. : to encamp with little or no shelter
the troops bivouacked there for a week
2.
a. : to spend the night in the open
b. : to put up temporarily : make a casual or temporary settlement
the troupe … bivouacked at a three-story house — Milton Esterow