watch and ward
Originating in Middle English between 1350 and 1400, 'watch and ward' refers to an old system of continuous vigilance for maintaining public peace.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Law
(historical, formal)A historical duty involving citizens keeping watch by night and maintaining order by day to ensure public safety.
Example
- In medieval towns, citizens were required to perform watch and ward to protect the community.
B2Security
(formal)Continuous surveillance or vigilance to guard a community or area.
Example
- The neighborhood implemented a watch and ward system to reduce crime.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "watch and ward":
keep vigilon watchmind the storestand sentinelon guardfire watchwatch one's backnight watchmankeep a lookoutwatch one's stepnight watchkeep an eye open