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