vigil

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvɪdʒɪl/

noun

  • 1a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray: my birdwatching vigils lasted for hours as he lay in a coma the family kept vigil
  • a stationary, peaceful demonstration in support of a particular cause, typically without speeches: the group held a candlelight vigil outside the jail
  • 2(in the Christian Church) the eve of a festival or holy day as an occasion of religious observance.
  • (vigils) nocturnal devotions.

Origin:

Middle English (in vigil (sense 2)): via Old French from Latin vigilia, from vigil 'awake'