to watch over

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To be awake; to be or continue without sleep; to wake; to keep vigil. [1913 Webster]

I have two nights watched with you.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Couldest thou not watch one hour ?— Mark xiv. 37.[1913 Webster]

2.To be attentive or vigilant; to give heed; to be on the lookout; to keep guard; to act as sentinel. [1913 Webster]

Take ye heed, watch and pray.— Mark xiii. 33.[1913 Webster]

The Son gave signal high To the bright minister that watched.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

3.To be expectant; to look with expectation; to wait; to seek opportunity. [1913 Webster]

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning.— Ps. cxxx. 6.[1913 Webster]

4.To remain awake with any one as nurse or attendant; to attend on the sick during the night; as, to watch with a man in a fever. [1913 Webster]

5.(Naut.) To serve the purpose of a watchman by floating properly in its place; -- said of a buoy. [1913 Webster]

To watch over, to be cautiously observant of; to inspect, superintend, and guard. [1913 Webster]