Laager

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A laager, lager, leaguer or laer (Afrikaans, from Dutch leger (camp); pronounced /ˈlaː.gər/ or /ˈli.gər/), is a defensive formation of wagons or motor vehicles. The vehicles in question are drawn up into a circle or square, while a camp is made in the interior of the circle.

In modern armoured warfare, a laager is a hasty defensive formation of tanks or other armoured vehicles, used for quick resupply or refuelling. During wartime a laager is rather vulnerable to attack, especially from the air, so it is only maintained for a short period, in a relatively safe location.

The word is South African in origin, and originally referred to a formation used by travellers whereby they would draw wagons into a circle and place cattle and horses on the inside to protect them from raiders or nocturnal animals. The same motif in 1800's America was used to refer to pioneers in the order to "circle the wagons" in case of Indian attack. These wagons which were typically portrayed as some sorts of Conestoga wagons.

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