Vĭg'i-lance, n.

n. [Fr. vigilance, Sp. & Pg. vigilancia, It. vigilanza, Lat. vigilantia.] 1. The state or quality of being vigilant; forbearance of sleep; wakefulness; watchfulness; circumspection. The flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge; of these the vigilance I dread. Milton. 2. Guard; watch. [Obs. and rare.] In at this gate none pass The vigilance here placed. Milton.