night watch system; fifth watch
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
the traditional five night watches (system dividing the night from dusk to dawn into five periods)
archaicTraditional Chinese timekeeping system. Each watch (更, gēng) lasted approximately two hours. The system is no longer in daily use but appears in historical texts and idioms.
In ancient times, a night was divided into five watches, each lasting about two hours.
The watchmen on patrol had to strike the gong to announce the time every watch.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The third watch is the dead of night, while by the fifth watch, dawn is approaching.
noun
the fifth watch (approximately 3:00–5:00 AM); early dawn
archaicRefers specifically to the last watch of the night, immediately before sunrise. Commonly used in the idiom '起五更，睡半夜' (rising at the fifth watch and sleeping at midnight), describing hard work or early rising.
He rises at the fifth watch and sleeps at midnight every day, working extremely hard.
At the time of the fifth watch, the rooster begins to crow.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
By the fifth watch, the east was gradually growing light.