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.

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