Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VIG'IL-ANCE, n. [Fr. from L. vigilans. See Vigil.]

1. Forbearance of sleep; a state of being awake. – Parr.
2. Watchfulness; circumspection; attention of the mind in discovering and guarding against danger, or providing for safety. Vigilance is a virtue of prime importance in a general. The vigilance of the dog is no less remarkable than his fidelity.
3. Guard; watch. In at this gate none pass / The vigilance here plac'd. [Unusual.] – Milton.