1. (n.) A word given to sentinels, and to such as have occasion to visit the guards, used as a signal by which a friend is known from an enemy, or a person who has a right to pass the watch from one who has not; a countersign; a password.
2. (n.) A sentiment or motto; esp., one used as a rallying cry or a signal for action.
Thesaurus Entries
bugle call, byword, call to arms, call-up, catchword, clarion, clarion call, conscription, countersign, device, epigraph, epithet, exhortation, go for broke, gung ho, inscription, levy, mobilization, motto, muster, open sesame, password, phrase, rally, rallying cry, rebel yell, recruitment, secret grip, shibboleth, slogan, tag line, tessera, token, trumpet call, war cry, war whoop, word
