Word Study
ambuscade
CIDE DICTIONARY
ambuscade, n. [F. embuscade, fr. It. imboscata, or Sp. emboscada, fr. emboscar to ambush, fr. LL. imboscare. See Ambush, v. t. ].
- A lying in a wood, concealed, for the purpose of attacking an enemy by surprise. Hence: A lying in wait, and concealed in any situation, for a like purpose; a snare laid for an enemy; an ambush. [1913 Webster]
- A place in which troops lie hid, to attack an enemy unexpectedly. Dryden. [1913 Webster]
- The body of troops lying in ambush. [1913 Webster]
ambuscade, v. t.
- To post or conceal in ambush; to ambush. [1913 Webster]
- To lie in wait for, or to attack from a covert or lurking place; to waylay. [1913 Webster]
ambuscade, v. i.
To lie in ambush. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ambuscade, n. & v.
--n. an ambush.
--v.
1 tr. attack by means of an ambush.
2 intr. lie in ambush.
3 tr. conceal in an ambush.
--n. an ambush.
--v.
1 tr. attack by means of an ambush.
2 intr. lie in ambush.
3 tr. conceal in an ambush.
Etymology
F embuscade f. It. imboscata or Sp. emboscada f. L imboscare: see AMBUSH, -ADE(1)
ROGET THESAURUS
ambuscade
Ambush
N ambush, camouflage, mimicry, hiding place, secret place, secret drawer, recess, hold, holes and corners, closet, crypt, adytum, abditory, oubliette, ambush, ambuscade, stalking horse, lurking hole, lurking place, secret path, back stairs, retreat, screen, cover, shade, blinker, veil, curtain, blind, cloak, cloud, mask, visor, vizor, disguise, masquerade dress, domino, pitfall, trap, camouflaged, hidden, concealed, aux aguets.VB blend in, blend into the background, lie in ambush, lie in wait for, lurk, set a trap for, ambuscade, ambush, camouflage.
For further exploring for "ambuscade" in Webster Dictionary Online