Am"bush (ăm"b&oocr;sh), n. [F.
embûche, fr. the verb. See Ambush, v.
t.] 1. 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.
2. A concealed station, where troops or enemies lie
in wait to attack by surprise.
Bold in close ambush, base in open field.
Dryden.
3. 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.
Am"bush (ăm"b&oocr;sh), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Ambushed (&?;); p. pr. & vb.
n. Ambushing.] [OE. enbussen, enbushen, OF.
embushier, embuissier, F. embûcher,
embusquer, fr. LL. imboscare; in + LL. boscus,
buscus, a wood; akin to G. bush, E. bush. See
Ambuscade, Bush.] 1. To station in
ambush with a view to surprise an enemy.
By ambushed men behind their temple laid,
We have the king of Mexico betrayed.
Dryden.
2. To attack by ambush; to waylay.
Am"bush, v. i. To lie in wait, for the
purpose of attacking by surprise; to lurk.
Nor saw the snake that ambushed for his prey.
Trumbull.
