plural of night watchman state

(Catholicism) a period of time in which a holy person (someone believed to be potentially on their way to sainthood) experiences a seeming withdrawal of God's previously-felt presence in their lives, and undergoes stark spiritual attacks. This period of time is seen (by Catholics) to be a period in which God is calling the holy person to rid themselves of any remaining vestiges of self-pride and vanity that they may have.

A purge, in which opponents of a regime or political party are killed or removed.

Synonym of night of the long knives

An informal social gathering of women. / An arranged event at a bar or similar venue where only female patrons are allowed.

(slang, US) high school football.

(colloquial) A period of good sleep during a particular night.

(US, education) An informational event in the evening where students' guardians meet their students' teachers and are introduced to the routine, curriculum, policy, etc.

(dated) A very cold night.

(nonstandard) plural of good night's sleep