outpost
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈaʊtˌpoʊst// UK //ˈaʊtpəʊst// out·post
n. a small camp or building located far away from the main group, usually for protection or trade. It is often in a lonely or distant place.
n. a small military camp or settlement established at a distance from the main body of an army or population, typically to guard against attack or to facilitate trade in remote areas.
The soldiers guarded a small outpost in the mountains.
The company established a new trading outpost in the desert to reach customers in the remote northern provinces.
What began as a lonely military outpost on the edge of the frontier eventually grew into a thriving commercial hub as more settlers arrived.
From out- + post.
Usage
Often used metaphorically to describe a small branch of an organization that is far from headquarters.