watch and ward

American  

noun

1. a continuous watch or vigil, by or as by night and by day, especially for the purpose of guarding.

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Etymology

Origin of watch and ward

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Mourned the Daily Mail: "The vision of an alert, unsleeping corps of first-class brains keeping watch and ward has taken another blow."

From Time Magazine Archive

The postmasters in all the colonies were made exempt from all public services, such as keeping watch and ward, and sitting on juries.

From The History of the Post Office in British North America by Smith, William, Sir

Our sentry was set, and beside him the two dogs kept watch and ward.

From Wild Life in the Land of the Giants A Tale of Two Brothers by Stables, Gordon

Thy loving favor was keeping faithful watch and ward while we slumbered.

From The Optimist's Good Morning by Perin, Florence Hobart

Of watch and ward as applied to town and village life as distinct from Border service there may be found in Cumberland and Westmorland records many very interesting and suggestive reminders.

From Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland by Scott, Daniel