watch night

noun

1. the last night of the year, observed in a watch meeting.
2. watch meeting.

watch night

noun

1. 1. the night of December 24, during which a service is held to mark the arrival of Christmas Day
   2. the night of December 31, during which a service is held to mark the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new
2. the service held on either of these nights

Word History and Origins

Origin of watch night¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

The Saints, I suppose, had watch-night services of their own, for they were conspicuous by their absence.

From Project Gutenberg

Certainly, firing crackers seems to be a large part of the watch-night service.

From Project Gutenberg

Watch-night on New Year's Eve was a season of great rejoicing among them.

From Project Gutenberg

The thought of it troubled me, not much, but still a little, during the watch-night services at Siloam church.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he remembered the watch-night service Bethany had asked him to attend.

From Project Gutenberg