Watches \Watch"es\ (-[e^]z), n. pl. (Bot.)
   The leaves of Saracenia flava. See Trumpets.
   [1913 Webster]

	

	Watches
   the periods into which the time between sunset and sunrise was
   divided. They are so called because watchmen relieved each other
   at each of these periods. There are frequent references in
   Scripture to the duties of watchmen who were appointed to give
   notice of the approach of an enemy (2 Sam. 18:24-27; 2 Kings
   9:17-20; Isa. 21:5-9). They were sometimes placed for this
   purpose on watch-towers (2 Kings 17:9; 18:8). Ministers or
   teachers are also spoken of under this title (Jer. 6:17; Ezek.
   33:2-9; Heb. 13:17).
   
     The watches of the night were originally three in number, (1)
   "the beginning of the watches" (Lam. 2:19); (2) "the middle
   watch" (Judg. 7:19); and (3) "the morning watch" (Ex. 14:24; 1
   Sam. 11:11), which extended from two o'clock to sunrise. But in
   the New Testament we read of four watches, a division probably
   introduced by the Romans (Matt. 14:25; Mark 6:48; Luke 12:38).
   (See DAY.)