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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Sentinel

Sĕn'-ti-nel, n.

noun

n. [Fr. sentinelle, It. & Pg. sentinella, Sp. centinela, from Lat. sentina, the bottom of a ship, where the filthy water collects, and which the sentinator was obliged to watch, and take care of, on account of the sea-water continually entering; afterward transferred from the navy to the army.]

  1. (Mil.) A soldier set to watch or guard an army, camp, or other place, from surprise, to observe the approach of danger, and give notice of it.
  2. Watch; guard. [Obs.] “That princes do keep due sentinel.” Bacon.

Sĕn'-ti-nel, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. SENTINELED, or SENTINELLED; p. pr. & vb. n. SENTINELING, or SENTINELLING.]

  1. To watch over like a sentinel. “To sentinel enchanted ground.” W. Scott.
  2. To furnish with a sentinel; to place under the guard of a sentinel.