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Watch

Defined in 4 dictionaries — Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Anderson (1889), Bouvier (1839)

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

To stand sentry and attend guard during the night-time. Certain officers called watchmen are appointed in most of the United States, whose duty it is to arrest all persons who are violating the law or breaking the peace. See 1 Bla. Com. 356; 1 Chi tty, Cr. Law 14, 20.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

n. A body of constables on duty on any particular night

v. To keep guard; to stand as sentinel; to be on guard at night, for the preservation of the peace and good order.

A Dictionary of Law

William C. Anderson · 1889

1. See Baggage; Jewelry. 2. See Death-watch; Ward, 1. Watchman. A condition in a policy requiring that a watchman be kept on certain premises as long as an insured mill, standing thereon, remained idle, was held to be complied with by the watchman continuing in close proximity to the property, in a location from which he could speedily discover the inception of a fire.'

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States

John Bouvier · 1839

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.