[Sp. or Pg. vigia a look-out, etc.:—L. vigilia (see next). Hence also F. vigie.] A warning on a sea chart to denote some hidden danger.
1867. Smyth, Sailor’s Word-bk., Vigia, a hydrographical warning on a chart to denote that the pinnacle of a rock, or a shoal, may exist thereabout.
1875. Bedford, Sailor’s Pocket Bk., V. (ed. 2), 147. Vigias.—Numerous imaginary dangers are traditionally inserted in all Ocean Charts.
1899. M. Roberts, in Brit. Soldiers (1900), 228. ‘There’s a vigia marked on the chart for hereabouts,’ said Captain Spiller.
