Watch″ful (?), a. Full of watch; vigilant; attentive; careful to observe closely; observant; cautious; — with of before the thing to be regulated or guarded; as, to be watchful of one's behavior; and with against before the thing to be avoided; as, to be watchful against the growth of vicious habits. “Many a watchful night.” Shak. “Happy watchful shepherds.” Milton.
'Twixt prayer and watchful love his heart dividing. Keble.
Syn. — Vigilant; attentive; cautious; observant; circumspect; wakeful; heedful.
— Watch″ful‐ly, adv. — Watch″ful‐ness, n.