(italien.)vorspringender Teil einer Festung, Bastion.
ETYM French bastion (cf. Italian bastione), from Late Lat. bastire to build (cf. French bâtir, Italian bastire), perh. from the idea of support for a weight, and akin to Greek bastazein to lift, carry, and to Eng. baston, baton.
1. A group that defends a principle.
2. A stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a battle; SYN. citadel.
3. Projecting part of a rampart or other fortification.
Tower at the corner of a fortification.
Earthwork projecting outward from fortification.