squads of state slaves who, under citizen supervision, served as both night patrols and fire brigades. Their primary purpose as firefighters was not to enter or save structures on fire, but to pull down, and dampen the rubble of, adjacent buildings in an effort to keep the entire city from burning down.

A period or service of preparation before major festivals or celebrations (see Great Vigil of Easter, BCP, 284ff.; Vigil of Pentecost, BCP, 227).

A period or service of preparation or " prayer watch" before major festivals or celebrations (see Great Vigil of Easter; Vigil of Pentecost)