WORD, or Watch-word, in military affairs, is some peculiar word or sentence, by which the soldiers know and distinguish one another in the night, &c. and by which spies and designing persons are discovered. It is used also to prevent surprises. The word is given out in an army every night to the lieutenant or major-general of the day, who gives it to the majors of the brigades, and they to the adjutants; who give it first to the field-officers, and afterwards to a sergeant of each company, who carry it to the subalterns. In garrisons it is given after the gate is shut to the town-major, who gives it to the adjutants, and they to the sergeants.