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vigil
[ vij-uhl ]
noun
- wakefulness or watchfulness maintained for any reason during the normal hours for sleeping:
They passed many hours in vigil.
- a watch or a period of watchful attention maintained at night or at other times:
The nurse kept her vigil at the bedside of the dying man.
- a quiet demonstration to support a cause, protest an injustice, honor the dead, etc.:
A candlelight vigil in remembrance of the two fallen officers will be held tonight at sundown.
- Ecclesiastical.
- Sometimes vigils. a nocturnal devotional exercise or service, especially on the eve before a church festival:
The Easter vigil reflects on the holy sacraments as well as the resurrection and ascension of Christ.
- the eve, or day and night, before a church festival, especially an eve that is a fast.
- a period of wakefulness from inability to sleep.
vigil
/ ˈɪɪ /
noun
- a purposeful watch maintained, esp at night, to guard, observe, pray, etc
- the period of such a watch
- RC Church Church of England the eve of certain major festivals, formerly observed as a night spent in prayer: often marked by fasting and abstinence and a special Mass and divine office
- a period of sleeplessness; insomnia
51Թ History and Origins
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of vigil1
Example Sentences
Relatives desperate for news of their missing loved ones have been holding vigils at the scene.
On Thursday, the family of the boy held a vigil where his body was discovered.
Their family said they "brought the sparkle to life" and will be missed "for eternity" during an emotional vigil in Liverpool shortly after Williams' death.
Following his death fans gathered at the nearby Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park for an all-day vigil, with musicians playing Lennon's songs while the crowd sang along.
Roads were closed to allow crowds to gather for a vigil to Elianne, while cards and flowers were sent from all over the world.
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