Obs. Also 6 vigilancye, 6–7 -ancie, 7 vigillancy; 7–8 vigilency. [ad. L. vigilantia, f. vigilant-, vigilans: see next and -ANCY.]
1. = VIGILANCE 1. (Very common c. 1550–1700.)
1537. Cromwell, in Merriman, Life & Lett. (1902), II. 97. For your vigilancy … touching the investigacion of th’occurrantes there.
1559. W. Cunningham, Cosmogr. Glasse, 3. If we … should by our vigilancie, fynde out suche misteries.
1594. T. B., La Primaud. Fr. Acad., II. 382. Wee must labour … to quench such inclinations, as much as wee can, through sobrietie, vigilancie, and continuall practise to the contrary.
1624. Capt. Smith, Virginia, VI. 237. Our vigilencies … preuented the aduantage they expected.
1650. Weldon, Crt. Jas. I., 29. Endearing himself to the King by shewing his diligence and vigilancy for his safety.
1686. F. Spence, trans. Varilla’s Ho. Medicis, 65. While he was heaving and labouring at this, with that indefatigable Vigilancy that made him subdue so many Places to the State of Venice.
1707. Col. Rec. Pennsylv., II. 367. The Consideration of the Vigilancy of his Enemies.
1767. Eliz. Carter, Lett. (1808), 152. My material constitution cannot possibly subsist in a state of perpetual vigilancy.
2. = VIGILANCE 2. rare–1.
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Disp., 620. This Antidote … takes away too much vigilancy, and restrains fury.
