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A careful looking or watching for any object or event.

A kind of watch crystal which is more than ordinarily flattened in the center; also, a species of convexoconcave lens for spectacles.

One that lurches or lies in wait; one who watches to pilfer, or to betray or entrap; a poacher.

The working parts of a machine, engine, or instrument; as, the machinery of a watch.

cipal or most important spring in a piece of mechanism, especially the moving spring of a watch or clock or the spring in a gunlock which impels the hammer. Hence: The chief or most powerful motive; the efficient cause of action.

relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect; as, the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.

One who minds, tends, or watches something, as a child, a machine, or cattle; as, a minder of a loom.

eated every minute as a sign of distress or mourning. -- Minute hand, the long hand of a watch or clock, which makes the circuit of the dial in an hour, and marks the minutes.

set with spikes, either attached to a staff or suspended from one by a chain. -- Morning watch (Naut.), the watch between four A. M. and eight A. M..

deaden desires by religious discipline. This makes him ... give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast, and mortify. Law.

To watch for and catch mice.

itting motion of a definite character, or for transforming motion; as, the wheelwork of a watch. Febrille movement (Med.), an elevation of the body temperature; a fever. -- Movement cure. (Med.) See Kinesiatrics. -- Movement of the bowels, an evacuation or stool; a passage or discharge.

With minute scrutiny; closely; as, to look or watch narrowly; to search narrowly.

A byword; a proverb; also, a watchword. [Obs.] hak.

justice personified; divine vengeance. This is that ancient doctrine of nemesis who keeps watch in the universe, and lets no offense go unchastised. Emerson.

An instrument or register which records the presence of watchmen on their beats. Knight.

Annoying; disagreeable. [Obs.] Watch the noyous night, and wait for Spenser.

ell. All are obnoxious, and this faulty land, Like fainting Hester, does before you stand Watching your scepter. Waller.

Taking notice; viewing or noticing attentively; watchful; attentive; as, an observant spectator; observant habits. Wandering from clime to clime observant stray'd. Pope.

Observing; watchful.