Watchword

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle English waccheword, morphologically as watch + word.

Full definition of watchword

Noun

1. a prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies
2. a word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle or rule of action; a maxim, byword
• 1919, Boris Sidis, :Atrocities of the most vicious kind were justified by the watchwords: "This is war!" "Might is Right." "Necessity knows no law."
3. a rallying cry