bridgehead

Noun
Synonyms: foothold

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies“an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines”“the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar”Synonyms: foothold
  2. a defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy
Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Bridgehead \Bridge"head`\, n. A fortification commanding the extremity of a bridge nearest the enemy, to insure the preservation and usefulness of the bridge, and prevent the enemy from crossing; a t[^e]te-de-pont. [1913 Webster]
Advertisement