vedette noun. [vɪ'dɛt] Also (now rare) vidette. L17.
[French from Italian vedetta, alt. (after vedere see) of southern Italian veletta, perh. from Spanish vela watch, from velar keep watch from Latin vigilare.]
1. Military. A mounted sentry placed in advance of an army's outposts to observe the movements of the enemy; a scout. L17.

2. In full vedette boat. A small vessel used for scouting purposes in naval warfare. Also gen., a small motor launch or patrol-boat. L19.

3. A leading star of stage or screen. M20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲