Definition of "bridgehead" [bridge•head]

• A fortified position from which troops defend the end of a bridge nearest the enemy. (noun)
• A forward position seized by advancing troops in enemy territory as a foothold for further advance. (noun)
• The area immediately adjacent to the end of a bridge. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Close by the bridgehead was a curious structure like a huge beehive, about ten feet high and built of stone blocks."
• "Finally there was the so-called bridgehead of Zagrody which was constructed for the protection of the street and railroad bridges crossing the river to the east of Radymno."
• "The TUV founder predicted victory would form a "bridgehead" which would win the party seats in next year's assembly elections."