watchword
Look at other dictionaries:
Watchword — Watch word , n. 1. A word given to sentinels, and to such as have occasion to visit the guards, used as a signal by which a friend is known from an enemy, or a person who has a right to pass the watch from one who has not; a countersign; a… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
watchword — (n.) also watch word, c.1400, password, from WATCH (Cf. watch) (n.) in the military sense of period of standing guard duty + WORD (Cf. word) (n.). In the sense of motto, slogan it dates from 1738 … Etymology dictionary
watchword — ► NOUN 1) a word or phrase expressing a core aim or belief. 2) archaic a military password … English terms dictionary
watchword — [wächwʉrd΄, wôchwʉrd΄] n. 1. a password, or countersign 2. a word or phrase embodying a principle or precept, esp. one used as the slogan or cry of a group or party … English World dictionary
watchword — UK [ˈwɒtʃˌwɜː(r)d] / US [ˈwɑtʃˌwɜrd] noun [countable] Word forms watchword : singular watchword plural watchwords a word or phrase that expresses someone s attitude or intention Quality is our watchword … English dictionary
watchword — noun Date: 15th century 1. a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group 2. a. a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group ; slogan < “safety” is our… … New Collegiate Dictionary
watchword — [[t]wɒ̱tʃwɜː(r)d[/t]] watchwords N COUNT: oft with poss Someone s watchword is a word or phrase that sums up their attitude or approach to a particular subject or to things in general. Caution has been one of Mr Allan s watchwords... You don t… … English dictionary
watchword — /woch werrd /, n. 1. a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard; password or countersign. 2. a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action; slogan: Conservation has been our watchword. 3. a… … Universalium
watchword — watch|word [ˈwɔtʃwə:d US ˈwa:tʃwə:rd, ˈwo:tʃ ] n [singular] a word or phrase that expresses an attitude or belief ▪ Environmental quality will be the watchword for the 21st century … Dictionary of contemporary English
watchword — watch|word [ watʃ,wɜrd ] noun count a word or phrase that expresses someone s attitude or intention: Quality is our watchword … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
