vedette

ve·dette also vi·dette  (v-dt)

n.

1. A mounted sentinel stationed in advance of an outpost.

2. A small scouting boat used to observe and report on an opposing naval force.

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[French, from Italian vedetta, alteration (influenced by vedere, to see) of veletta, probably from Spanish vela, watch, from velar, to watch, from Latin vigilre, to watch through the night, from vigil, awake; see weg- in Indo-European roots.]