watchwords

Noun

watchword (plural watchwords)

1. A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry.
   • "How this perpetual gaiety," exclaimed Louis, "jars upon the ear! Good Heaven! is farewell to be said so gladly? I sometimes start when I think upon the hollowness of all that surrounds me. I often wish my eye had the power of searching the inmost depths of the bosoms whose watchword is my name."1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXVII, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 321

   Synonyms:

   guideword, catchword, byword, maxim, mantra, motto

2. (security) A prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies.
   • a Watchword sufficient for him that is wiſe1625, George Sandys, Sacrae heptades

   Synonyms:

   passphrase, password, underword