Watchfulness

watchfulness
    n 1: the process of paying close and continuous attention;
         "wakefulness, watchfulness, and bellicosity make a good
         hunter"; "vigilance is especially susceptible to fatigue"
         [syn: {watchfulness}, {wakefulness}, {vigilance},
         {alertness}]
    2: vigilant attentiveness; "he keeps a weather eye open for
       trouble" [syn: {watchfulness}, {vigilance}, {weather eye}]
    

Watchful \Watch"ful\, a.
   Full of watch; vigilant; attentive; careful to observe
   closely; observant; cautious; -- with of before the thing to
   be regulated or guarded; as, to be watchful of one's
   behavior; and with against before the thing to be avoided;
   as, to be watchful against the growth of vicious habits.
   "Many a watchful night." --Shak. "Happy watchful shepherds."
   --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

         'Twixt prayer and watchful love his heart dividing.
                                                  --Keble.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Vigilant; attentive; cautious; observant; circumspect;
        wakeful; heedful.
        [1913 Webster] -- {Watch"ful*ly}, adv. --
        {Watch"ful*ness}, n.
        [1913 Webster]