n. 1. (Zool.) (a) A small beetle (Anobium tessellatum and other allied species). By forcibly striking its head against woodwork it makes a ticking sound, which is a call of the sexes to each other, but has been imagined by superstitious people to presage death. (b) A small wingless insect, of the family Psocidæ, which makes a similar but fainter sound; -- called also deathtick. [ 1913 Webster ]

She is always seeing apparitions and hearing deathwatches. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

I did not hear the dog howl, mother, or the deathwatch beat. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The guard set over a criminal before his execution. [ 1913 Webster ]