vedette

or vi·dette

[ vi-det ]

noun

, History/Historical.

1. Also called vedette boat. a small naval launch used for scouting.
2. a mounted sentry in advance of the outposts of an army.

vedette

/ vɪˈdɛt /

noun

1. Also calledvedette boat navy a small patrol vessel
2. Also calledvidette military a mounted sentry posted forward of a formation's position

Word History and Origins

Origin of vedette¹

First recorded in 1680–90; from French, from Italian vedetta “outlook where a sentinel is posted,” alteration of earlier veletta (of debated origin) by association with vedere “to see”; -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of vedette¹

C17: from French, from Italian vedetta (influenced by vedere to see), from earlier veletta, perhaps from Spanish vela watch, from velar to keep vigil, from Latin vigilāre

Example Sentences

So why should we be surprised when Macras gives us a late-evening history lesson about Nélida Roca, the Argentine “vedette,” or showgirl, who held Buenos Aires enthralled from the 1950s to the 1970s.

From New York Times

The possibility that Vedette’s calves were turned into veal chops might be a bummer for some viewers, but it would provide a true picture of life for most dairy cows.

From New York Times

The title subject of the French documentary “Vedette” is a typically brawny specimen with a massive head and formidable bass-y moo.

From New York Times

She receives a little crown of flowers for her troubles; for their part, the proud owners earn bragging rights to owning a queen, a honor Vedette has long held.

From New York Times

Cows need to have calves to produce milk, and at one point, you see Vedette during a difficult birth.

From New York Times