bridgehead

[ brij-hed ]

/ ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd /

a position held or to be gained on the enemy side of a river, defile, or other obstacle, to cover the crossing of friendly troops.

any position gained that can be used as a foothold for further advancement; beachhead.

a defensive work covering or protecting the end of a bridge toward the enemy.

Origin of bridgehead

First recorded in 1805–15; bridge¹ + head

Late in the afternoon the Germans forced their way forward from Tarnopol to as far as the Sereth bridgehead.

The Story of the Great War, Volume VI (of VIII) |Various
A strong assault on the bridgehead at Ivangorod met with the same terrible fate.

The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 3 (of 10) |James Edward Parrott
Within less than a minute there was scarcely a man left erect between the bridgehead and the gap.

Carry On! |Herbert Strang
When they reached the Bridgehead on the side of the river remote from the fort, the enemy began to turn and run.

The Story of the Malakand Field Force |Sir Winston S. Churchill

Miss Norman: Will you do me the honour to meet me at the bridgehead at half-past nine—practically at once?

The Pagan Madonna |Harold MacGrath

bridgehead

/ (ˈbrɪdʒˌhɛd) /

an area of ground secured or to be taken on the enemy's side of an obstacle, esp a defended river

a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy

an advantageous position gained for future expansion