ˈwatch-case
† 1. ? A place in which one must keep watch.
| 1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, iii. i. 17 O thou dull God [sc. Sleep], why lyest thou with the vilde, In loathsome Beds, and leau'st the Kingly Couch, A Watch-case, or a common Larum-Bell? |
2. A hinged case or cover of an old-fashioned watch, enclosing the watch proper; now, the metal cover enclosing the works of a watch.
| 1681 Grew Musæum iv. §iii. 369 Made of fine Silver⁓studded Work, as in Watch-Cases. 1697–8 Foreign Post 3–7 Jan. 2/2 A Gold Engrav'd Watch-Case lined with Scarlet Satten. 1789 Mrs. Piozzi Journ. France, etc. I. 78 Every..compartment chased, like our old-fashioned watch-cases. 1857 Dickens Dorrit ii. xxx, She took the watch-case in her hand. 1899 F. J. Britten Old Clocks & Watches 123 A very finely enamelled watch case, illustrating the early life of Christ. |
b. attrib. and Comb.
| 1671 Lond. Gaz. No. 538/4 If any one can give notice of him to his Master..a Watch-case maker. 1773 Pennsylv. Gaz. 16 June, Suppl. 2/2 [Advt.] Watch-case stakes and hammers. |
3. A small case or bag at the head of a bed for holding a watch at night; a watch-pocket.
| 1891 Century Dict. |