dogwatch

/ˈdɔɡˌwɑtʃ/
noun
  1. Either of two short watches on a ship, from 4 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m., that divide the evening watch so that the same crew members do not have the same duty every day.
    • He was assigned the first dogwatch, which meant he could have dinner early.
    • The sailors stood the dogwatch from four to six in the evening.
    • During the dogwatch, the crew enjoyed a brief rest before the night shift.
  2. A period of night duty or a late shift, especially one that is short or inconvenient.
    • The security guard dreaded the dogwatch because it was so quiet and lonely.
    • He took the dogwatch at the factory so he could attend classes during the day.
    • Working the dogwatch at the hospital meant she got home after midnight.
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