bivouac

(noun)

An improvised style of outdoor shelter or campsite, sometimes composed of items found in the surrounding area such as tree branches, leaves, or dirt.

Related Terms

Examples of bivouac in the following topics:

  • The Battle of Shiloh

    • His encampment at Pittsburg Landing displayed his most consequential lack of such concern—his army was spread out in bivouac style, many around the small log church named Shiloh (a Hebrew word that means "place of peace").

  • The West and the Civil War

    • Their camp was set up in bivouac style without entrenchments or any planned defensive measures.