vedette (redirected from vedettes)

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.]

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vedette [vɪˈdɛt]

n

1. (Transport / Nautical Terms) Also called vedette boat Naval a small patrol vessel

2. (Military) Also called vidette Military a mounted sentry posted forward of a formation's position

[from French, from Italian vedetta (influenced by vedere to see), from earlier veletta, perhaps from Spanish vela watch, from velar to keep vigil, from Latin vigilāre]