bridgehead Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Bridge"head` noun
Definitions
  1. 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 tête-de-pont.

Webster 1913