2. Watchfulness in respect of danger; care; caution; circumspection. Cowper. And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge; of these the vigilance I dread. Milton.
3. Guard; watch. [Obs.] "In at this gate none pass the vigilance here placed." Milton. Vigilance committee, a volunteer committee of citizens for the oversight and protection of any interest, esp. one organized for the summary suppression and punishment of crime, as when the processes of law appear inadequate.
VIGILANCY
Vig"i*lan*cy, n.
Defn: Vigilance. [Obs.] Fuller.
VIGILANT Vig"i*lant, a. Etym: [L. vigilans, -antis, p. pr. of vigilare to watch, fr. vigil awake: cf. F. vigilant. See Vigil.]
Defn: Attentive to discover and avoid danger, or to provide for
safety; wakeful; watchful; circumspect; wary. "Be sober, be
vigilant." 1 Pet. v. 8.
Sirs, take your places, and be vigilant. Shak.
VIGILANTLY
Vig"i*lant*ly, adv.
Defn: In a vigilant manner.
VIGILY
Vig"i*ly, n. Etym: [L. vigilia.]
Defn: A vigil. [Obs.] Chaucer.