Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Bulwark

Bul′wark

,
Noun.
[Akin to D.
bolwerk
, G.
bollwerk
, Sw.
bolwerk
, Dan.
bolvärk
,
bulvärk
, rampart; akin to G.
bohle
plank, and
werk
work, defense. See
Bole
stem, and
Work
,
Noun.
, and cf.
Boulevard
.]
1.
(Fort.)
A rampart; a fortification; a bastion or outwork.
2.
That which secures against an enemy, or defends from attack; any means of defense or protection.
The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense, . . . the floating
bulwark
of our island.
Blackstone.
3.
pl.
(Naut.)
The sides of a ship above the upper deck, usually a fencelike structure around the deck.
Syn. – See
Rampart
.

Bul′wark

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Bulwarked
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Bulwarking
.]
To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect.
Of some proud city,
bulwarked
round and armed
With rising towers.
Glover.

Webster 1828 Edition


Bulwark

BUL'WARK

, n.
1.
In fortification, a bastion, or a rampart; a mound of earth round a place, capable of resisting cannon shot, and formed with bastions, curtains, &c.
2.
A fortification; also, any means of defense; as, a navy is the bulwark of a nation.
3.
That which secures against an enemy or external annoyance; a screen or shelter; means of protection and safety.
Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Is.26.

BUL'WARK

,
Verb.
T.
To fortify with a rampart; to secure by a fortification; to protect.

Definition 2024


bulwark

bulwark

English

Noun

bulwark (plural bulwarks)

  1. A defensive wall or rampart.
  2. A defense or safeguard.
    • Blackstone
      The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defence, [] the floating bulwark of our island.
  3. A breakwater.
  4. (nautical) The planking or plating along the sides of a nautical vessel above her gunwale that reduces the likelihood of seas washing over the gunwales and people being washed overboard.

Translations

Verb

bulwark (third-person singular simple present bulwarks, present participle bulwarking, simple past and past participle bulwarked)

  1. (transitive) To fortify something with a wall or rampart.
  2. (transitive) To provide protection of defense for something.