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1. (n.) deathwatch
a vigil beside a dying or dead person.
2. deathwatch
a guard set over a person before execution.
3. deathwatch
Also called deathwatch beetle. any of several beetles of the family Anobiidae that make a ticking sound as they bore through wood: the sound was once believed to be an omen of death.
Etymology: (1660–70)
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| Definition of 'deathwatch' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) booklouse, book louse, deathwatch, Liposcelis divinatorius
minute wingless psocopterous insects injurious to books and papers
2. (noun) deathwatch beetle, deathwatch, Xestobium rufovillosum
bores through wood making a ticking sound popularly thought to presage death
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| Definition of 'deathwatch' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) deathwatch
a small beetle (Anobium tessellatum and other allied species). By forcibly striking its head against woodwork it makes a ticking sound, which is a call of the sexes to each other, but has been imagined by superstitious people to presage death
2. (noun) deathwatch
a small wingless insect, of the family Psocidae, which makes a similar but fainter sound; -- called also deathtick
3. (noun) deathwatch
the guard set over a criminal before his execution
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Definitions of deathwatch 
