The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word VIGIL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
V
I
G
I
L
More clues leading to the result VIGIL
- Watch Roman poet right away
- Watch heads of government in lectures on sex
- All I give in return for watch? Not all
- Watch girl leaving right after sex
- Watch of old poet’s not right
- Watch old poet, forgetting king
- Old poet loses rare watch
- 6.50 – soldier enters for watch
- The Night Watch? Van Dijk? Not right!
- Poet removing king’s watch
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Watch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case watch = vigil.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does VIGIL mean?
VIGIL noun- An instance of keeping awake during normal sleeping hours, especially to keep watch or pray.
- A period of observation or surveillance at any hour.
- The eve of a religious festival in which staying awake is part of the ritual devotions.
- A quiet demonstration in support of a cause.