in language, an articulate sound designed to represent some idea or notion. See GRAMMAR and LANGUAGE. See also LOGIC, Part I. chap. i.

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 serjeants.

Words of Command. See EXERCISE and MANUAL.

Signals by the Drum, made use of in exercising of the Army, instead of the WORD of Command, viz.

Signals by the drum. A short roll, A flam, To arms, The march, The quick march, The point of war, The retreat, Drum ceasing, Two short rolls, The dragoon march, The grenadier march, The troop, The long roll, The grenadier march, The preparative, The general, Two long rolls,

Operations. To caution. To perform any distinct thing. To form the line or battalion. To advance, except when intended for a salute. To advance quick. To march and charge. To retreat. To halt. To perform the flank firing. To open the battalion. To form the column. To double divisions. To form the square. To reduce the square to the column. To make ready and fire. To cease firing. To bring or lodge the colours.