01 n. A word given to sentinels, and to such as have occasion to visit the guards, used as a signal by which a friend is known from an enemy, or …
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1.
A word given to sentinels, and to such as have occasion to visit the guards, used as a signal by which a friend is known from an enemy, or a person who has a right to pass the watch from one who has not; a countersign; a password.
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2.
A sentiment or motto; esp., one used as a rallying cry or a signal for action.“Nor deal in watchwords overmuch.” — Tennyson.