Vig"i*lance (?), n. [L. vigilantia: cf. F. vigilance.]
1.
The quality or state of being vigilant; forbearance of sleep; wakefulness.
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.
© Webster 1913.