Deathwatches

/ˈdɛθwɑtʃɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of deathwatch; multiple vigils kept with the dying, or multiple death-watch beetles.

Etymology

Plural of 'deathwatch' formed by adding '-es'. Refers either to multiple occasions of keeping watch over the dead/dying, or multiple beetles of the deathwatch species.

Kelly Says

Families sitting through deathwatches created one of history's most intimate social rituals—bringing people together in darkness and silence, waiting for the inevitable.

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