watch and ward noun orwatching and warding Etymology: Middle English wacche and warde 1.: the act of keeping guard : continuous unbroken vigilance and guard < a handful of men kept watch and ward against the Iroquois — Francis Parkman > 2. a.: service as a watchman or sentinel required from a feudal tenant — compare burgage 2 b.: service as a watchman specified as one of the chief duties of a constable