night watchman

or night-watchman

noun

1. watchman.
2. Cricket. a batsman who is sent in to bat just before the end of a day's play and continues his innings on the next day of play.

night watchman

noun

1. Also callednight watch a person who keeps guard at night on a factory, public building, etc
2. cricket a batsman sent in to bat to play out time when a wicket has fallen near the end of a day's play

Word History and Origins

Origin of night watchman¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

With jobs in short supply, he worked as a night watchman in an oil plant, where he began teaching himself engineering and design by reading technical reports that were lying on the president’s desk.

From MIT Technology Review

The night-watchman had sunk into log-like slumber, and the meteorologist and his merry men were making preparations to go abroad.

From Project Gutenberg

Every one is too busy to notice the storeman, for, like the night-watchman, his day is over and he must find another job.

From Project Gutenberg

Such "perks," or perquisites, were the property of the presiding cook or night-watchman and rarely survived for more than a day.

From Project Gutenberg

The only way in which the night-watchman could keep the hourly observations was to dig his way out frequently with a shovel.

From Project Gutenberg

At sunset he goes home, being relieved by the night-watchman, who remains on duty till sunrise.

From Project Gutenberg