watchdog: Meaning and Definition of

watch•dog

1. a dog kept to guard property.
2. a watchful guardian: a self-appointed watchdog of the public morals.

1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a watchdog.
2. organized or functioning as a watchful guardian, esp. against illegal or unethical conduct: a watchdog group in the legislature.

1. to watch carefully, esp. so as to detect illegal or unethical conduct.