outpost
/ˈaʊtˌpoʊst/ noun
Forms outposts
- noun A military post stationed at a distance from the main body of troops. “The outpost did not have enough ammunition to resist a determined assault.”
- noun The body of troops manning such a post. “Sgt. Smith fleeced most of the rest of the outpost of their earnings in their weekly game of craps.”
- noun A sentinel positioned outside.
- noun An outlying settlement. “Beyond the border proper, there are three small outposts not officially under government protection.”
- noun (chess) A square protected by a pawn that is in or near the enemy's stronghold.
Synonyms
Etymology
From out- + post.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “outpost”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details