I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: death + watch (timepiece); from the superstition that its ticking presages death
: any of several small insects that make a ticking sound: as
a. or deathwatch beetle : any of various small beetles of the family Anobiidae that are common in old houses where they bore in the woodwork and furniture making a clicking noise probably by knocking the head against the wood
b. : book louse
II. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: death + watch (vigil)
1. : a vigil kept with the dead or dying
2.
a. : the guard set over a criminal before his execution
b. : a group of press reporters waiting for an expected announcement or break in a big story