middle watch

American  

noun

Nautical.

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

---

middle watch British  

noun

1. nautical the watch between midnight and 4 am

---

Etymology

Origin of middle watch

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

“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.”

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg