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 sergeants.

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. | Operations. | |---------------------|-------------| | A short roll, | To caution. | | A flam, | To perform any distinct thing. | | To arms, | To form the line or battalion. | | The march, | To advance, except when intended for a salute. | | The quick march, | To advance quick. | | The point of war, | To march and charge. | | The retreat, | To retreat. | | Drum ceasing, | To halt. | | Two short rolls, | To perform the flank firing. | | The dragon march, | To open the battalion. | | The grenadier march,| To form the column. | | The troop, | To double divisions. | | The long roll, | To form the square. | | The grenadier march,| To reduce the square to the column. | | The preparative, | To make ready and fire. | | The general, | To cease firing. | | Two long rolls, | To bring or lodge the colours. |