dogwatch

or dog watch

[ dawg-woch, -wawch, dog- ]

noun

1. Nautical. either of two two-hour watches, the first from 4 to 6 p.m., the latter from 6 to 8 p.m.
2. Also called lobster shift, Journalism Slang. the period, after the regular editions of a newspaper have gone to press, during which staff personnel remain on duty to await any new developments that may warrant an extra issue.
3. Informal. any night shift, especially the last or latest one.

dogwatch

/ ˈdɒɡˌwɒtʃ /

noun

1. either of two two-hour watches aboard ship, from four to six p.m. or from six to eight p.m
2. a shift from midnight to six a.m. in a mine

Word History and Origins

Origin of dogwatch¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; dog + watch