/brij"hed'/ , n.
1. a position held or to be gained on the enemy side of a river, defile, or other obstacle, to cover the crossing of friendly troops.
2. any position gained that can be used as a foothold for further advancement; beachhead.
3. a defensive work covering or protecting the end of a bridge toward the enemy.
[ 1805-15; BRIDGE 1 + HEAD ]