watchword

WOTD - 25 November 2006    

English

Etymology

From Middle English waccheword, morphologically as watch +‎ word.

Pronunciation

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Noun

watchword (plural watchwords)

1. a prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies
2. a word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle or rule of action; a maxim, byword
   • 1919, Boris Sidis, The Source and Aim of Human Progress:

     Atrocities of the most vicious kind were justified by the watchwords: "This is war!" "Might is Right." "Necessity knows no law."

3. a rallying cry

References

• watchword in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911