middle watch

American  

noun

Nautical.

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

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middle watch British  

noun

1. nautical the watch between midnight and 4 am

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Etymology

Origin of middle watch

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Mr. Groves states that these lights went out at 11.40, and remembers that time because "one bell was struck to call the middle watch."

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

But all at once, about four bells in the middle watch,— Kurr-r-r-r! that was the noise we heard proceeding from our keel, then all was steady, all was still.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly he turned to his servant: "So you were the man who came into my cabin during the middle watch?"

From Project Gutenberg