2. Watchfulness in respect of danger; care; caution;
circumspection. --Cowper.
And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their
earthly charge; of these the vigilance I dread.
--Milton.
3. Guard; watch. [Obs.] ``In at this gate none pass the
vigilance here placed.'' --Milton.
{Vigilance committee}, a volunteer committee of citizens for
the oversight and protection of any interest, esp. one
organized for the summary suppression and punishment of
crime, as when the processes of law appear inadequate.