key word vs watchword

key word

watchword

noun
  • A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry. 

  • A prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies. 

How often have the words key word and watchword occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )