bridgehead

noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about bridgehead at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

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

2. A defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy.