from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]