Bul"wark (&?;), n. [Akin to D. bolwerk, G. bollwerk, Sw. bolwerk, Dan. bolvärk, bulvärk, rampart; akin to G. bohle plank, and werk work, defense. See Bole stem, and Work, n., and cf. Boulevard.] 1. (Fort.) A rampart; a fortification; a bastion or outwork.

2. That which secures against an enemy, or defends from attack; any means of defense or protection.

The royal navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense, . . . the floating bulwark of our island.
Blackstone.

3. pl. (Naut.) The sides of a ship above the upper deck.

Syn. -- See Rampart.

Bul"wark, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bulwarked (&?;); p. pr. & vb.n. Bulwarking.] To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect.

Of some proud city, bulwarked round and armed
With rising towers.
Glover.

• a defensive wall or rampart
  
• a defense or safeguard
  
• a breakwater
  
• (nautical) the planking or plating along the sides of a ship above her upper deck that prevents seas washing over the gunwales, and people from being washed overboard
  
• to fortify something with a wall or rampart
  
• to provide protection of defense for something