close of sentry duty
noun phraseUK /kləʊz əv ˈsɛntri ˈdjuːti/
US /kloʊz əv ˈsɛntri ˈduːti/
The time when a guard finishes watching and can rest.
At the close of sentry duty, the soldier handed his post to the next guard.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The moment a guard's shift officially ends and responsibility passes on.
The sergeant recorded the close of sentry duty in the logbook.
3. The final check a guard makes before leaving the post.
During the close of sentry duty, he checked the gate one last time.
4. A ceremony or signal marking the end of a guard's watch.
The bugle call announced the close of sentry duty across the camp.