/
ˈvɪdʒɪl/
n.
- a period of staying awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray.
- (in the Christian Church) the eve of a festival or holy day as an occasion of religious observance.
▸
(vigils)
nocturnal devotions.
- a stationary, peaceful demonstration in support of a cause.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. vigilia, from vigil ‘awake’.