In the watch-and-ward system, which time did 'watch' refer to?

In the watch-and-ward system, which time did 'watch' refer to?

• A. Evening
• B. Morning
• C. Afternoon
• D. Nighttime

Answer: (D)

The term watch in watch-and-ward refers to the nighttime patrol period. Historically, towns relied on watchmen to patrol streets and keep order after dark when crime was more likely and visibility was poor. Therefore, the watch part signifies the night shift, not the morning, afternoon, or even the evening specifically. In this system, warding was the guarding effort that accompanied the watch during those nighttime hours.

The term watch in watch-and-ward refers to the nighttime patrol period. Historically, towns relied on watchmen to patrol streets and keep order after dark when crime was more likely and visibility was poor. Therefore, the watch part signifies the night shift, not the morning, afternoon, or even the evening specifically. In this system, warding was the guarding effort that accompanied the watch during those nighttime hours.