to watch over

1 definition found

to watch over - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Watch \Watch\, v. i. [Cf. AS. w[oe]ccan, wacian. [root]134. See
     Watch, n., Wake, v. i. ]
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     1. To be awake; to be or continue without sleep; to wake; to
        keep vigil.
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              I have two nights watched with you.   --Shak.
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              Couldest thou not watch one hour ?    --Mark xiv.
                                                    37.
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     2. To be attentive or vigilant; to give heed; to be on the
        lookout; to keep guard; to act as sentinel.
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              Take ye heed, watch and pray.         --Mark xiii.
                                                    33.
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              The Son gave signal high
              To the bright minister that watched.  --Milton.
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     3. To be expectant; to look with expectation; to wait; to
        seek opportunity.
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              My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that
              watch for the morning.                --Ps. cxxx. 6.
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     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.
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     5. (Naut.) To serve the purpose of a watchman by floating
        properly in its place; -- said of a buoy.
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     To watch over, to be cautiously observant of; to inspect,
        superintend, and guard.
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