vigia

American  

[vi-jee-uh, vee-hee-ah] / vɪˈdʒi ə, viˈhi ɑ /

noun

plural

vigias

1. a navigational hazard whose existence or position is uncertain.

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vigia British  

/ ˈvɪdʒɪə /

noun

1. nautical a navigational hazard marked on a chart although its existence and nature has not been confirmed

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Etymology

Origin of vigia

First recorded in 1865–70; from Spanish vigía “lookout, reef,” probably from Portuguese vigia, noun derivative of vigiar “to watch,” from Latin vigilāre; see vigilant

Example Sentences

They had gone ashore two hours before midnight, giving them four hours to secure the vigia before the attack was launched.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

Like all the seamen, they kept casting anxious glances toward a spot on the shore across the bay, just below the vigia, where the advance party would signal the all-clear with lanterns.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

A signal of three lanterns on the shore below the vigia would signify all-clear.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

But how could they have known the road leading up to the vigia?

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas

Even though the vigia had been silenced, sentries would doubtless be posted around the fort.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas