watchman
watchman Lexical Profile
watchman Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person employed to keep watch and protect a building, property, or specific area, especially during the night.
"The night watchman walked the perimeter of the factory to ensure all the gates were securely locked."
A historical figure or member of a town's municipal watch, responsible for patrolling the streets and maintaining public order before the advent of modern police forces.
"In medieval cities, the watchman would carry a lantern and call out the hour to reassure the sleeping residents."
Word Nuance & Usage
While still understood, 'watchman' has largely been replaced in modern contexts by 'security guard', giving the term a slightly historical or literary connotation.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'waccheman', formed as a compound of 'wacche' (watch, vigil) and 'man' (man), originating in the 14th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.