Watch
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
police. To watch is properly speaking to stand sentry and attend guard during the night time: certain officers called watchmen are appointed in most of the cities of the United States whose duty it is to arrest all persons who are violating the law, or breaking the peace, (q. v.).
Vide 1 Bl. Com. 356; 1 Chit. Cr. Law, 14, 20.