VIGIL

(Lat. vigilium, watch.) An ecclesaistical usage, the evening before a feast day, is so termed. The observation of vigils js said by some to be nearly the oldest of Christian ceremonies. According to Lac tanti us Jerolne, and other ancient authorities, the second advent of our Saviour was expected to take place on the vigil ol Easter. They were originally celebrated by meeting together at nignt (as they are still on some occasions in thf Eastern churches), and are said thus to preserve the memory of the nocturnal a emblies of Christians in i times of persecution. I [s. 1307]