vigil light


noun

a small candle in a church lighted as a devotional act.
a candle or small light kept burning before a shrine, icon, etc.

Origin of vigil light

First recorded in 1930–35

British Dictionary definitions for vigil light

vigil light

noun mainly RC Church

a small candle lit as an act of personal devotion before a shrine or statue, usually in a church
a small lamp kept permanently burning before such a shrine or statue