Watch v. i.
1. To be awake; to be or continue without sleep; to wake; to keep vigil.
I have two nights watched with you. --Shak.
Couldest thou not watch one hour ? --Mark xiv. 37.
2. To be attentive or vigilant; to give heed; to be on the lookout; to keep guard; to act as sentinel.
Take ye heed, watch and pray. --Mark xiii. 33.
The Son gave signal high
To the bright minister that watched. --Milton.
3. To be expectant; to look with expectation; to wait; to seek opportunity.
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning. --Ps. cxxx. 6.
4. To remain awake with any one as nurse or attendant; to attend on the sick during the night; as, to watch with a man in a fever.
5. Naut. To serve the purpose of a watchman by floating properly in its place; -- said of a buoy.
To watch over, to be cautiously observant of; to inspect, superintend, and guard.