BLACK WATCH, THE (ROYAL HIGHLANDERS), the title of a famous British Highland regiment. The origin of the corps dates from 1729 when a number of loyal Highlanders were embodied forming six independent companies, and constituted a part of the regular army. They continued to wear the dress of their country, a tartan of sombre appearance which gained for them the gaelic appellation of "Freicudan Du" (or "Am Frei ceadan Dubh"), i.e., "Black Watch," in contradiction to regular troops who wore scarlet coats, waistcoats and breeches, and were called "Seidaran Dearag," or "Red Soldiers." These companies were first employed in enforcing the disarming act in Scotland which required a constant watching of rival clans to prevent plun der and reprisals. The Black Watch were known by that title for a number of years, before it was changed to the "Highland Regi ment." In 1751 they were the "42nd," or the "Highland Regi ment." but later reverted to their original title.