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

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

I don't know what a vigia is, Mr. Pyecroft.

From Traffics and Discoveries by Kipling, Rudyard

The attack plan called for an advance party to proceed overland from the rear and surprise the vigia on the hill overlooking the bay, using a map prepared by their Spanish pilot, Armando Vargas.

From Caribbee by Hoover, Thomas