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vigile

security guard

noun vee-ZHEEL Rare
People & Society Work

Origin: Latin vigilia (wakefulness, watch)

Also means

night watchman

Usage Note

Vigile refers to a private security guard or night watchman — distinct from gardien de la paix (police officer). It is both masculine and feminine (le/la vigile). In a religious context, la vigile (feminine, but the same form) is also a liturgical vigil or eve of a feast day, so context disambiguates.

Examples

"Le vigile surveille l'entrée du magasin."

Natural Translation

The security guard watches the shop entrance.

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