What is "invigilate"

invigilate \invigilate\ n. ([i^]n*v[i^]j"[i^]l*[=a]t) [imp. & p. p. Invigilated ([i^]n*v[i^]j"[i^]l*[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Invigilating.] [L. invigilare to stay awake, to be vigilant.] To keep watch.

2. To keep watch over examination candidates to prevent cheating. [British]

1550s, from Latin invigilatus, past participle of invigilare "watch over, be watchful, be devoted," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + vigilare (see vigil). Especially in reference to student exams. Related: Invigilated; invigilating.

vb. (context intransitive English) To oversee a test or exam.

v. as of students taking an exam, to prevent cheating [syn: proctor]