The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ambush \Am"bush\ ([a^]m"b[oo^]sh), n. [F. emb[^u]che, fr. the verb. See Ambush, v. t.]
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A disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station. Hence: Unseen peril; a device to entrap; a snare.
Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege Or ambush from the deep.
--Milton. -
A concealed station, where troops or enemies lie in wait to attack by surprise.
Bold in close ambush, base in open field.
--Dryden. -
The troops posted in a concealed place, for attacking by surprise; liers in wait. [Obs.]
The ambush arose quickly out of their place.
--Josh. viii. 19.To lay an ambush, to post a force in ambush.
Usage examples of "to lay an ambush".
The open terrain makes it more difficult for the Enemy to lay an ambush.
He was tempted to lay an ambush of his own, but he was one man alone and his pursuers might be many.
If there ever was a perfect place to lay an ambush, it was there-right there.
If there ever was a perfect place to lay an ambush, it was there - right there.
There remains the small chance of trouble at the jump-point, if by the time we arrive there has been an action between Boreale and Champlain, or if Champlain should evade Boreale and stay behind to lay an ambush.
Climbing steadily, the road twisted and snaked through the rocky hills and thick stands of twisted pines that offered a thousand good places to lay an ambush.
The wizard had greeted Quenthel's order to lay an ambush with a distinct lack of enthusiasm, and he wasn't at all unhappy to call the effort a failure and rejoin the rest of the band.