middle watch

noun

Nautical.

1. the watch from midnight until 4 a.m.

middle watch

noun

1. nautical the watch between midnight and 4 am

Word History and Origins

Origin of middle watch¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Mr. Stone had with him during the middle watch an apprentice named Gibson, whose attention was first drawn to the steamer's lights at about 12.20 a. m.

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Also, it was three bells of the middle watch, or--in other words--half-past one in the morning.

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“Just make her snug, you know, Mr Stevenson,” said McBain, “for the night will be dark, and we may have more wind before the middle watch.”

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It was precisely three bells in the middle watch when the mate entered Captain McBain’s room.

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He was still lightheaded, muttering incoherently about taking over the middle watch.

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