night watchman

American  

Or night-watchman

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.

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night watchman British  

noun

1. Also called: night 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

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Etymology

Origin of night watchman

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

At the time of the record destruction, which was revealed by a night watchman who saw it happening and saved some documents, UBS was under scrutiny for its wartime activities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

A night watchman alone would not make or break a new development, but this is one of many such provisions, often motivated by fire safety, that stack up in the code every three years.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2025

But the night watchman caught sight of him and threw him out, accepting the excuse that he had been locked in by accident.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2022

He was accused of “misconduct, negligence and inattention” by failing to train his crew, conduct fire drills and have a roving night watchman on the boat when the fire ignited.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 2, 2022

Johnny had a friend named Burt who was night watchman at the corner bank.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith