night watchman

The term "night watchman" originated from historical roles where individuals were tasked with guarding communities at night before the establishment of formal police forces.

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Definition

B2Security

(common)A person employed to guard a building, property, or area during nighttime hours.

Example

  • The night watchman made his rounds, checking all the doors and windows for signs of forced entry.

C1Historical

(historical)Before modern police forces, an individual appointed by a town to patrol streets at night and protect citizens from criminals.

Example

  • In medieval times, the night watchman was a crucial figure in maintaining order after dark.

C1Cricket

(sports)In cricket, the last batsman to play on a particular day, intended to protect more skilled batsmen for the next day.

Example

  • The team sent in a night watchman to finish the day's play and shield their top batsman for the next morning.

C2Economics

(technical)A minimalist state that provides only essential services like law enforcement, national defense, and property protection.

Example

  • The night watchman state refrains from economic intervention and focuses solely on maintaining law and order.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "night watchman":

night watchnight shiftnight manwatch and wardfire watchgraveyard shiftstand sentinelwork nightson watch