Vigil (noun)
vij-il
wakefulness or watchfulness maintained for any reason during the normal hours for sleeping.
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English vigil(i)e, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin vigilia “eve of a holy day,” special use of Latin vigilia “watchfulness,” equivalent to vigil “sentry” + -ia -y
Example sentences
“The ‘vigil of the nativity’ service starts at 9pm.”
