night watchman

• nightwatchman

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night watchman (plural night watchmen)

1. (historical) Prior to police forces, a person appointed by a town or city to walk the streets at night and guard the burghers from felons and robbers.
2. A person who guards (usually at a building) at night.
   • 1966, Bob Dylan, “Visions of Johanna”, in Blonde on Blonde:

     We can hear the night watchman click his flashlight / Ask himself if it's him or them that's insane

3. (cricket) A lower order batter to play the last overs in low light to save better batters for the next day's play.