Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Vitals
Vi′tals
,Noun.
pl.
1.
Organs that are necessary for life; more especially, the heart, lungs, and brain.
2.
Fig.: The part essential to the life or health of anything;
“The vitals of the public body.” as, the
. vitals
of a stateGlanvill.
Webster 1828 Edition
Vitals
VI'TALS
,Noun.
plu.
1.
Parts of animal bodies essential to life, such as the viscera.2.
The part essential to life, or to a sound state. Corruption of manners preys upon the vitals of a state.