Vigil
/ˈvɪdʒ.ɪl/noun
A period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, vigils were often held to honor the dead, blurring the lines between life and the spirit world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wegʰ-
“to be strong, lively, or to be awake.”
Latin
Latin
vigil
“awake, alert, or watchful.”
Old French
Old French
vigile
“watch, or period of wakefulness.”
Middle English
Middle English
vigil
“a period of wakefulness for religious observance.”
Modern English
English
vigil
“a period of alertness or wakefulness, often for spiritual purposes.”