If someone keeps a vigil or keeps vigil somewhere, they remain there quietly for a period of time, especially at night, for example because they are praying or are making a political protest. ♦ keep vigil phrase V inflects, usu PHR prep/adv She kept a vigil at Patrick's bedside. vigil (vigils plural) A vigil is a period of time when people remain quietly in a place, especially at night, for example because they are praying or are making a political protest. n-count. Protesters are holding a twenty-four hour vigil outside the socialist party headquarters.