dogwatch

or dog watch

[ dawg-woch, -wawch, dog- ]

noun

1. Nautical. either of two two-hour watches, the first from 4 to 6 p.m., the latter from 6 to 8 p.m.
2. Also called lobster shift, Journalism Slang. the period, after the regular editions of a newspaper have gone to press, during which staff personnel remain on duty to await any new developments that may warrant an extra issue.
3. Informal. any night shift, especially the last or latest one.

dogwatch

/ ˈdɒɡˌwɒtʃ /

noun

1. either of two two-hour watches aboard ship, from four to six p.m. or from six to eight p.m
2. a shift from midnight to six a.m. in a mine

Word History and Origins

Origin of dogwatch¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; dog + watch

Example Sentences

I was on the larboard dogwatch this day, and so could observe the positioning of those ships, it appearing that we are preparing for some great action against the town of Norfolk.

From Literature

“Me and Smoltz started in September 16 as dogwatch radio team.”

From Literature

Such was the burden of the boatswain's discourse throughout the dogwatch.

From Project Gutenberg

Yesterday morning, Mr. Hawkins," said he, "in the dogwatch, down came Doctor Livesey with a flag of truce.

From Project Gutenberg

The third day after leaving Malta the forecastle hands were congregated on the topgallant forecastle during the dogwatch from six to eight.

From Project Gutenberg