A Dictionary of Epithets and Terms of Address
In modern times used of a man who guards a building or complex of buildings, especially as a night watchman.
The word was originally used of a military sentry, then was applied to a constable of the watch, a man who before the Police Act of 1839 patrolled the streets at night to protect people and property.
Shakespeare does not use ‘watchman’ vocatively, but refers to watchmen in both of these earlier senses.
The Pickwick Papers, by Charles Dickens, was published 1836–7. When Mr Dowler calls ‘Watchman, stop him, hold him, keep him tight, shut him in, till I come down,’ referring to Mr Winkle, it would have been the constable of the watch he was addressing.
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