(n) an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies, Syn. foothold, Example:an attempt to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines; the only foothold left for British troops in Europe was Gibraltar
n. A fortification commanding the extremity of a bridge nearest the enemy, to insure the preservation and usefulness of the bridge, and prevent the enemy from crossing; a tête-de-pont. [ 1913 Webster ]