A laager, or lager (either pronounced 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 wild animals at night.
