diff --git a/src/alloc.h b/src/alloc.h
index 3689005..8babde3 100644
--- a/src/alloc.h
+++ b/src/alloc.h
@@ -21,5 +21,13 @@
 	aid_tagstack_items,
 	aid_tagstack_from,
 	aid_tagstack_details,
+	aid_sign_getdefined,
+	aid_sign_getplaced,
+	aid_sign_define_by_name,
+	aid_sign_getlist,
+	aid_sign_getplaced_dict,
+	aid_sign_getplaced_list,
+	aid_insert_sign,
+	aid_sign_getinfo,
 	aid_last
 } alloc_id_T;
diff --git a/src/buffer.c b/src/buffer.c
index 66068d9..4055af9 100644
--- a/src/buffer.c
+++ b/src/buffer.c
@@ -936,7 +936,7 @@
     uc_clear(&buf->b_ucmds);		/* clear local user commands */
 #endif
 #ifdef FEAT_SIGNS
-    buf_delete_signs(buf);		/* delete any signs */
+    buf_delete_signs(buf, (char_u *)"*");	// delete any signs */
 #endif
 #ifdef FEAT_NETBEANS_INTG
     netbeans_file_killed(buf);
@@ -5866,25 +5866,34 @@
 
 #if defined(FEAT_SIGNS) || defined(PROTO)
 /*
- * Insert the sign into the signlist.
+ * Insert a new sign into the signlist for buffer 'buf' between the 'prev' and
+ * 'next' signs.
  */
     static void
 insert_sign(
-    buf_T	*buf,		/* buffer to store sign in */
-    signlist_T	*prev,		/* previous sign entry */
-    signlist_T	*next,		/* next sign entry */
-    int		id,		/* sign ID */
-    linenr_T	lnum,		/* line number which gets the mark */
-    int		typenr)		/* typenr of sign we are adding */
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer to store sign in
+    signlist_T	*prev,		// previous sign entry
+    signlist_T	*next,		// next sign entry
+    int		id,		// sign ID
+    char_u	*group,		// sign group; NULL for global group
+    int		prio,		// sign priority
+    linenr_T	lnum,		// line number which gets the mark
+    int		typenr)		// typenr of sign we are adding
 {
     signlist_T	*newsign;
 
-    newsign = (signlist_T *)lalloc((long_u)sizeof(signlist_T), FALSE);
+    newsign = (signlist_T *)lalloc_id((long_u)sizeof(signlist_T), FALSE,
+							aid_insert_sign);
     if (newsign != NULL)
     {
 	newsign->id = id;
 	newsign->lnum = lnum;
 	newsign->typenr = typenr;
+	if (group != NULL)
+	    newsign->group = vim_strsave(group);
+	else
+	    newsign->group = NULL;
+	newsign->priority = prio;
 	newsign->next = next;
 	newsign->prev = prev;
 	if (next != NULL)
@@ -5892,15 +5901,15 @@
 
 	if (prev == NULL)
 	{
-	    /* When adding first sign need to redraw the windows to create the
-	     * column for signs. */
+	    // When adding first sign need to redraw the windows to create the
+	    // column for signs.
 	    if (buf->b_signlist == NULL)
 	    {
 		redraw_buf_later(buf, NOT_VALID);
 		changed_cline_bef_curs();
 	    }
 
-	    /* first sign in signlist */
+	    // first sign in signlist
 	    buf->b_signlist = newsign;
 #ifdef FEAT_NETBEANS_INTG
 	    if (netbeans_active())
@@ -5913,50 +5922,100 @@
 }
 
 /*
- * Add the sign into the signlist. Find the right spot to do it though.
+ * Insert a new sign sorted by line number and sign priority.
  */
-    void
-buf_addsign(
-    buf_T	*buf,		/* buffer to store sign in */
-    int		id,		/* sign ID */
-    linenr_T	lnum,		/* line number which gets the mark */
-    int		typenr)		/* typenr of sign we are adding */
+    static void
+insert_sign_by_lnum_prio(
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer to store sign in
+    signlist_T	*prev,		// previous sign entry
+    int		id,		// sign ID
+    char_u	*group,		// sign group; NULL for global group
+    int		prio,		// sign priority
+    linenr_T	lnum,		// line number which gets the mark
+    int		typenr)		// typenr of sign we are adding
 {
-    signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in the signlist */
-    signlist_T	*prev;		/* the previous sign */
+    signlist_T	*sign;
 
-    prev = NULL;
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
-    {
-	if (lnum == sign->lnum && id == sign->id)
-	{
-	    sign->typenr = typenr;
-	    return;
-	}
-	else if (lnum < sign->lnum)
-	{
-	    // keep signs sorted by lnum: insert new sign at head of list for
-	    // this lnum
-	    while (prev != NULL && prev->lnum == lnum)
-		prev = prev->prev;
-	    if (prev == NULL)
-		sign = buf->b_signlist;
-	    else
-		sign = prev->next;
-	    insert_sign(buf, prev, sign, id, lnum, typenr);
-	    return;
-	}
-	prev = sign;
-    }
-
-    // insert new sign at head of list for this lnum
-    while (prev != NULL && prev->lnum == lnum)
+    // keep signs sorted by lnum and by priority: insert new sign at
+    // the proper position in the list for this lnum.
+    while (prev != NULL && prev->lnum == lnum && prev->priority <= prio)
 	prev = prev->prev;
     if (prev == NULL)
 	sign = buf->b_signlist;
     else
 	sign = prev->next;
-    insert_sign(buf, prev, sign, id, lnum, typenr);
+
+    insert_sign(buf, prev, sign, id, group, prio, lnum, typenr);
+}
+
+/*
+ * Returns TRUE if 'sign' is in 'group'.
+ * A sign can either be in the global group (sign->group == NULL)
+ * or in a named group. If 'group' is '*', then the sign is part of the group.
+ */
+    int
+sign_in_group(signlist_T *sign, char_u *group)
+{
+    return ((group != NULL && STRCMP(group, "*") == 0) ||
+	    (group == NULL && sign->group == NULL) ||
+	    (group != NULL && sign->group != NULL &&
+					STRCMP(group, sign->group) == 0));
+}
+
+/*
+ * Return information about a sign in a Dict
+ */
+    dict_T *
+sign_get_info(signlist_T *sign)
+{
+    dict_T	*d;
+
+    if ((d = dict_alloc_id(aid_sign_getinfo)) == NULL)
+	return NULL;
+    dict_add_number(d, "id", sign->id);
+    dict_add_string(d, "group", (sign->group == NULL) ?
+						(char_u *)"" : sign->group);
+    dict_add_number(d, "lnum", sign->lnum);
+    dict_add_string(d, "name", sign_typenr2name(sign->typenr));
+    dict_add_number(d, "priority", sign->priority);
+
+    return d;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Add the sign into the signlist. Find the right spot to do it though.
+ */
+    void
+buf_addsign(
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer to store sign in
+    int		id,		// sign ID
+    char_u	*group,		// sign group
+    int		prio,		// sign priority
+    linenr_T	lnum,		// line number which gets the mark
+    int		typenr)		// typenr of sign we are adding
+{
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
+    signlist_T	*prev;		// the previous sign
+
+    prev = NULL;
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
+    {
+	if (lnum == sign->lnum && id == sign->id &&
+		sign_in_group(sign, group))
+	{
+	    // Update an existing sign
+	    sign->typenr = typenr;
+	    return;
+	}
+	else if (lnum < sign->lnum)
+	{
+	    insert_sign_by_lnum_prio(buf, prev, id, group, prio, lnum, typenr);
+	    return;
+	}
+	prev = sign;
+    }
+
+    insert_sign_by_lnum_prio(buf, prev, id, group, prio, lnum, typenr);
 
     return;
 }
@@ -5967,15 +6026,16 @@
  */
     linenr_T
 buf_change_sign_type(
-    buf_T	*buf,		/* buffer to store sign in */
-    int		markId,		/* sign ID */
-    int		typenr)		/* typenr of sign we are adding */
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer to store sign in
+    int		markId,		// sign ID
+    char_u	*group,		// sign group
+    int		typenr)		// typenr of sign we are adding
 {
-    signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in the signlist */
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
     {
-	if (sign->id == markId)
+	if (sign->id == markId && sign_in_group(sign, group))
 	{
 	    sign->typenr = typenr;
 	    return sign->lnum;
@@ -5985,6 +6045,11 @@
     return (linenr_T)0;
 }
 
+/*
+ * Return the type number of the sign at line number 'lnum' in buffer 'buf'
+ * which has the attribute specifed by 'type'. Returns 0 if a sign is not found
+ * at the line number or it doesn't have the specified attribute.
+ */
     int
 buf_getsigntype(
     buf_T	*buf,
@@ -5993,7 +6058,7 @@
 {
     signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in a b_signlist */
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
 	if (sign->lnum == lnum
 		&& (type == SIGN_ANY
 # ifdef FEAT_SIGN_ICONS
@@ -6008,37 +6073,51 @@
     return 0;
 }
 
-
+/*
+ * Delete sign 'id' in group 'group' from buffer 'buf'.
+ * If 'id' is zero, then delete all the signs in group 'group'. Otherwise
+ * delete only the specified sign.
+ * If 'group' is '*', then delete the sign in all the groups. If 'group' is
+ * NULL, then delete the sign in the global group. Otherwise delete the sign in
+ * the specified group.
+ * Returns the line number of the deleted sign. If multiple signs are deleted,
+ * then returns the line number of the last sign deleted.
+ */
     linenr_T
 buf_delsign(
-    buf_T	*buf,		/* buffer sign is stored in */
-    int		id)		/* sign id */
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer sign is stored in
+    int		id,		// sign id
+    char_u	*group)		// sign group
 {
-    signlist_T	**lastp;	/* pointer to pointer to current sign */
-    signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in a b_signlist */
-    signlist_T	*next;		/* the next sign in a b_signlist */
-    linenr_T	lnum;		/* line number whose sign was deleted */
+    signlist_T	**lastp;	// pointer to pointer to current sign
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in a b_signlist
+    signlist_T	*next;		// the next sign in a b_signlist
+    linenr_T	lnum;		// line number whose sign was deleted
 
     lastp = &buf->b_signlist;
     lnum = 0;
     for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = next)
     {
 	next = sign->next;
-	if (sign->id == id)
+	if ((id == 0 || sign->id == id) && sign_in_group(sign, group))
+
 	{
 	    *lastp = next;
 	    if (next != NULL)
 		next->prev = sign->prev;
 	    lnum = sign->lnum;
+	    vim_free(sign->group);
 	    vim_free(sign);
-	    break;
+	    // Check whether only one sign needs to be deleted
+	    if (group == NULL || (*group != '*' && id != 0))
+		break;
 	}
 	else
 	    lastp = &sign->next;
     }
 
-    /* When deleted the last sign need to redraw the windows to remove the
-     * sign column. */
+    // When deleted the last sign need to redraw the windows to remove the
+    // sign column.
     if (buf->b_signlist == NULL)
     {
 	redraw_buf_later(buf, NOT_VALID);
@@ -6050,39 +6129,78 @@
 
 
 /*
- * Find the line number of the sign with the requested id. If the sign does
- * not exist, return 0 as the line number. This will still let the correct file
- * get loaded.
+ * Find the line number of the sign with the requested id in group 'group'. If
+ * the sign does not exist, return 0 as the line number. This will still let
+ * the correct file get loaded.
  */
     int
 buf_findsign(
-    buf_T	*buf,		/* buffer to store sign in */
-    int		id)		/* sign ID */
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer to store sign in
+    int		id,		// sign ID
+    char_u	*group)		// sign group
 {
-    signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in the signlist */
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
-	if (sign->id == id)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
+	if (sign->id == id && sign_in_group(sign, group))
 	    return sign->lnum;
 
     return 0;
 }
 
+/*
+ * Return the sign at line 'lnum' in buffer 'buf'. Returns NULL if a sign is
+ * not found at the line.
+ */
+    static signlist_T *
+buf_getsign_at_line(
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer whose sign we are searching for
+    linenr_T	lnum)		// line number of sign
+{
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
+
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
+	if (sign->lnum == lnum)
+	    return sign;
+
+    return NULL;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Return the sign with identifier 'id' in group 'group' placed in buffer 'buf'
+ */
+    signlist_T *
+buf_getsign_with_id(
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer whose sign we are searching for
+    int		id,		// sign identifier
+    char_u	*group)		// sign group
+{
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
+
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
+	if (sign->id == id && sign_in_group(sign, group))
+	    return sign;
+
+    return NULL;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Return the identifier of the sign at line number 'lnum' in buffer 'buf'.
+ */
     int
 buf_findsign_id(
-    buf_T	*buf,		/* buffer whose sign we are searching for */
-    linenr_T	lnum)		/* line number of sign */
+    buf_T	*buf,		// buffer whose sign we are searching for
+    linenr_T	lnum)		// line number of sign
 {
-    signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in the signlist */
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
-	if (sign->lnum == lnum)
-	    return sign->id;
+    sign = buf_getsign_at_line(buf, lnum);
+    if (sign != NULL)
+	return sign->id;
 
     return 0;
 }
 
-
 # if defined(FEAT_NETBEANS_INTG) || defined(PROTO)
 /*
  * See if a given type of sign exists on a specific line.
@@ -6095,7 +6213,7 @@
 {
     signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in the signlist */
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
 	if (sign->lnum == lnum && sign->typenr == typenr)
 	    return sign->id;
 
@@ -6110,10 +6228,10 @@
     int
 buf_signcount(buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum)
 {
-    signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in the signlist */
+    signlist_T	*sign;		// a sign in the signlist
     int		count = 0;
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
 	if (sign->lnum == lnum)
 	    if (sign_get_image(sign->typenr) != NULL)
 		count++;
@@ -6123,28 +6241,39 @@
 #  endif /* FEAT_SIGN_ICONS */
 # endif /* FEAT_NETBEANS_INTG */
 
-
 /*
- * Delete signs in buffer "buf".
+ * Delete signs in group 'group' in buffer "buf". If 'group' is '*', then
+ * delete all the signs.
  */
     void
-buf_delete_signs(buf_T *buf)
+buf_delete_signs(buf_T *buf, char_u *group)
 {
+    signlist_T	*sign;
+    signlist_T	**lastp;	// pointer to pointer to current sign
     signlist_T	*next;
 
-    /* When deleting the last sign need to redraw the windows to remove the
-     * sign column. Not when curwin is NULL (this means we're exiting). */
+    // When deleting the last sign need to redraw the windows to remove the
+    // sign column. Not when curwin is NULL (this means we're exiting).
     if (buf->b_signlist != NULL && curwin != NULL)
     {
 	redraw_buf_later(buf, NOT_VALID);
 	changed_cline_bef_curs();
     }
 
-    while (buf->b_signlist != NULL)
+    lastp = &buf->b_signlist;
+    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = next)
     {
-	next = buf->b_signlist->next;
-	vim_free(buf->b_signlist);
-	buf->b_signlist = next;
+	next = sign->next;
+	if (sign_in_group(sign, group))
+	{
+	    *lastp = next;
+	    if (next != NULL)
+		next->prev = sign->prev;
+	    vim_free(sign->group);
+	    vim_free(sign);
+	}
+	else
+	    lastp = &sign->next;
     }
 }
 
@@ -6158,18 +6287,19 @@
 
     FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
 	if (buf->b_signlist != NULL)
-	    buf_delete_signs(buf);
+	    buf_delete_signs(buf, (char_u *)"*");
 }
 
 /*
  * List placed signs for "rbuf".  If "rbuf" is NULL do it for all buffers.
  */
     void
-sign_list_placed(buf_T *rbuf)
+sign_list_placed(buf_T *rbuf, char_u *sign_group)
 {
     buf_T	*buf;
-    signlist_T	*p;
+    signlist_T	*sign;
     char	lbuf[BUFSIZ];
+    char	group[BUFSIZ];
 
     MSG_PUTS_TITLE(_("\n--- Signs ---"));
     msg_putchar('\n');
@@ -6185,10 +6315,18 @@
 	    MSG_PUTS_ATTR(lbuf, HL_ATTR(HLF_D));
 	    msg_putchar('\n');
 	}
-	for (p = buf->b_signlist; p != NULL && !got_int; p = p->next)
+	FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
 	{
-	    vim_snprintf(lbuf, BUFSIZ, _("    line=%ld  id=%d  name=%s"),
-			   (long)p->lnum, p->id, sign_typenr2name(p->typenr));
+	    if (!sign_in_group(sign, sign_group))
+		continue;
+	    if (sign->group != NULL)
+		vim_snprintf(group, BUFSIZ, "  group=%s", sign->group);
+	    else
+		group[0] = '\0';
+	    vim_snprintf(lbuf, BUFSIZ, _("    line=%ld  id=%d%s  name=%s "
+							"priority=%d"),
+			   (long)sign->lnum, sign->id, group,
+			   sign_typenr2name(sign->typenr), sign->priority);
 	    MSG_PUTS(lbuf);
 	    msg_putchar('\n');
 	}
@@ -6210,7 +6348,7 @@
 {
     signlist_T	*sign;		/* a sign in a b_signlist */
 
-    for (sign = curbuf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(curbuf)
     {
 	if (sign->lnum >= line1 && sign->lnum <= line2)
 	{
diff --git a/src/evalfunc.c b/src/evalfunc.c
index 93cac5a..15c625c 100644
--- a/src/evalfunc.c
+++ b/src/evalfunc.c
@@ -367,6 +367,14 @@
 #endif /* FEAT_CRYPT */
 static void f_shellescape(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
 static void f_shiftwidth(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+#ifdef FEAT_SIGNS
+static void f_sign_define(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+static void f_sign_getdefined(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+static void f_sign_getplaced(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+static void f_sign_place(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+static void f_sign_undefine(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+static void f_sign_unplace(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
+#endif
 static void f_simplify(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
 #ifdef FEAT_FLOAT
 static void f_sin(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv);
@@ -847,6 +855,14 @@
 #endif
     {"shellescape",	1, 2, f_shellescape},
     {"shiftwidth",	0, 1, f_shiftwidth},
+#ifdef FEAT_SIGNS
+    {"sign_define",	1, 2, f_sign_define},
+    {"sign_getdefined",	0, 1, f_sign_getdefined},
+    {"sign_getplaced",	0, 2, f_sign_getplaced},
+    {"sign_place",	4, 5, f_sign_place},
+    {"sign_undefine",	0, 1, f_sign_undefine},
+    {"sign_unplace",	1, 2, f_sign_unplace},
+#endif
     {"simplify",	1, 1, f_simplify},
 #ifdef FEAT_FLOAT
     {"sin",		1, 1, f_sin},
@@ -4417,19 +4433,12 @@
 get_buffer_signs(buf_T *buf, list_T *l)
 {
     signlist_T	*sign;
+    dict_T	*d;
 
-    for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign; sign = sign->next)
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
     {
-	dict_T *d = dict_alloc();
-
-	if (d != NULL)
-	{
-	    dict_add_number(d, "id", sign->id);
-	    dict_add_number(d, "lnum", sign->lnum);
-	    dict_add_string(d, "name", sign_typenr2name(sign->typenr));
-
+	if ((d = sign_get_info(sign)) != NULL)
 	    list_append_dict(l, d);
-	}
     }
 }
 #endif
@@ -11285,6 +11294,319 @@
     rettv->vval.v_number = get_sw_value(curbuf);
 }
 
+#ifdef FEAT_SIGNS
+/*
+ * "sign_define()" function
+ */
+    static void
+f_sign_define(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv)
+{
+    char_u	*name;
+    dict_T	*dict;
+    char_u	*icon = NULL;
+    char_u	*linehl = NULL;
+    char_u	*text = NULL;
+    char_u	*texthl = NULL;
+
+    rettv->vval.v_number = -1;
+
+    name = get_tv_string_chk(&argvars[0]);
+    if (name == NULL)
+	return;
+
+    if (argvars[1].v_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
+    {
+	if (argvars[1].v_type != VAR_DICT)
+	{
+	    EMSG(_(e_dictreq));
+	    return;
+	}
+
+	// sign attributes
+	dict = argvars[1].vval.v_dict;
+	if (dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"icon", -1) != NULL)
+	    icon = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"icon", TRUE);
+	if (dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"linehl", -1) != NULL)
+	    linehl = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"linehl", TRUE);
+	if (dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"text", -1) != NULL)
+	    text = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"text", TRUE);
+	if (dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"texthl", -1) != NULL)
+	    texthl = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"texthl", TRUE);
+    }
+
+    if (sign_define_by_name(name, icon, linehl, text, texthl) == OK)
+	rettv->vval.v_number = 0;
+
+    vim_free(icon);
+    vim_free(linehl);
+    vim_free(text);
+    vim_free(texthl);
+}
+
+/*
+ * "sign_getdefined()" function
+ */
+    static void
+f_sign_getdefined(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv)
+{
+    char_u	*name = NULL;
+
+    if (rettv_list_alloc_id(rettv, aid_sign_getdefined) != OK)
+	return;
+
+    if (argvars[0].v_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
+	name = get_tv_string(&argvars[0]);
+
+    sign_getlist(name, rettv->vval.v_list);
+}
+
+/*
+ * "sign_getplaced()" function
+ */
+    static void
+f_sign_getplaced(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv)
+{
+    buf_T	*buf = NULL;
+    dict_T	*dict;
+    dictitem_T	*di;
+    linenr_T	lnum = 0;
+    int		sign_id = 0;
+    char_u	*group = NULL;
+    int		notanum = FALSE;
+
+    if (rettv_list_alloc_id(rettv, aid_sign_getplaced) != OK)
+	return;
+
+    if (argvars[0].v_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
+    {
+	// get signs placed in this buffer
+	buf = find_buffer(&argvars[0]);
+	if (buf == NULL)
+	{
+	    EMSG2(_("E158: Invalid buffer name: %s"),
+						get_tv_string(&argvars[0]));
+	    return;
+	}
+
+	if (argvars[1].v_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
+	{
+	    if (argvars[1].v_type != VAR_DICT ||
+				((dict = argvars[1].vval.v_dict) == NULL))
+	    {
+		EMSG(_(e_dictreq));
+		return;
+	    }
+	    if ((di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"lnum", -1)) != NULL)
+	    {
+		// get signs placed at this line
+		(void)get_tv_number_chk(&di->di_tv, &notanum);
+		if (notanum)
+		    return;
+		lnum = get_tv_lnum(&di->di_tv);
+	    }
+	    if ((di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"id", -1)) != NULL)
+	    {
+		// get sign placed with this identifier
+		sign_id = (int)get_tv_number_chk(&di->di_tv, &notanum);
+		if (notanum)
+		    return;
+	    }
+	    if ((di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"group", -1)) != NULL)
+	    {
+		group = get_tv_string_chk(&di->di_tv);
+		if (group == NULL)
+		    return;
+	    }
+	}
+    }
+
+    sign_get_placed(buf, lnum, sign_id, group, rettv->vval.v_list);
+}
+
+/*
+ * "sign_place()" function
+ */
+    static void
+f_sign_place(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv)
+{
+    int		sign_id;
+    char_u	*group = NULL;
+    char_u	*sign_name;
+    buf_T	*buf;
+    dict_T	*dict;
+    dictitem_T	*di;
+    linenr_T	lnum = 0;
+    int		prio = SIGN_DEF_PRIO;
+    int		notanum = FALSE;
+
+    rettv->vval.v_number = -1;
+
+    // Sign identifer
+    sign_id = (int)get_tv_number_chk(&argvars[0], &notanum);
+    if (notanum)
+	return;
+    if (sign_id < 0)
+    {
+	EMSG(_(e_invarg));
+	return;
+    }
+
+    // Sign group
+    group = get_tv_string_chk(&argvars[1]);
+    if (group == NULL)
+	return;
+    if (group[0] == '\0')
+	group = NULL;			// global sign group
+    else
+    {
+	group = vim_strsave(group);
+	if (group == NULL)
+	    return;
+    }
+
+    // Sign name
+    sign_name = get_tv_string_chk(&argvars[2]);
+    if (sign_name == NULL)
+	goto cleanup;
+
+    // Buffer to place the sign
+    buf = find_buffer(&argvars[3]);
+    if (buf == NULL)
+    {
+	EMSG2(_("E158: Invalid buffer name: %s"), get_tv_string(&argvars[2]));
+	goto cleanup;
+    }
+
+    if (argvars[4].v_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
+    {
+	if (argvars[4].v_type != VAR_DICT ||
+				((dict = argvars[4].vval.v_dict) == NULL))
+	{
+	    EMSG(_(e_dictreq));
+	    goto cleanup;
+	}
+
+	// Line number where the sign is to be placed
+	if ((di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"lnum", -1)) != NULL)
+	{
+	    (void)get_tv_number_chk(&di->di_tv, &notanum);
+	    if (notanum)
+		goto cleanup;
+	    lnum = get_tv_lnum(&di->di_tv);
+	}
+	if ((di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"priority", -1)) != NULL)
+	{
+	    // Sign priority
+	    prio = (int)get_tv_number_chk(&di->di_tv, &notanum);
+	    if (notanum)
+		goto cleanup;
+	}
+    }
+
+    if (sign_place(&sign_id, group, sign_name, buf, lnum, prio) == OK)
+	rettv->vval.v_number = sign_id;
+
+cleanup:
+    vim_free(group);
+}
+
+/*
+ * "sign_undefine()" function
+ */
+    static void
+f_sign_undefine(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv)
+{
+    char_u *name;
+
+    rettv->vval.v_number = -1;
+
+    if (argvars[0].v_type == VAR_UNKNOWN)
+    {
+	// Free all the signs
+	free_signs();
+	rettv->vval.v_number = 0;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+	// Free only the specified sign
+	name = get_tv_string_chk(&argvars[0]);
+	if (name == NULL)
+	    return;
+
+	if (sign_undefine_by_name(name) == OK)
+	    rettv->vval.v_number = 0;
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+ * "sign_unplace()" function
+ */
+    static void
+f_sign_unplace(typval_T *argvars, typval_T *rettv)
+{
+    dict_T	*dict;
+    dictitem_T	*di;
+    int		sign_id = 0;
+    buf_T	*buf = NULL;
+    char_u	*group = NULL;
+
+    rettv->vval.v_number = -1;
+
+    if (argvars[0].v_type != VAR_STRING)
+    {
+	EMSG(_(e_invarg));
+	return;
+    }
+
+    group = get_tv_string(&argvars[0]);
+    if (group[0] == '\0')
+	group = NULL;			// global sign group
+    else
+    {
+	group = vim_strsave(group);
+	if (group == NULL)
+	    return;
+    }
+
+    if (argvars[1].v_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
+    {
+	if (argvars[1].v_type != VAR_DICT)
+	{
+	    EMSG(_(e_dictreq));
+	    return;
+	}
+	dict = argvars[1].vval.v_dict;
+
+	if ((di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"buffer", -1)) != NULL)
+	{
+	    buf = find_buffer(&di->di_tv);
+	    if (buf == NULL)
+	    {
+		EMSG2(_("E158: Invalid buffer name: %s"),
+						get_tv_string(&di->di_tv));
+		return;
+	    }
+	}
+	if (dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"id", -1) != NULL)
+	    sign_id = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"id");
+    }
+
+    if (buf == NULL)
+    {
+	// Delete the sign in all the buffers
+	FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
+	    if (sign_unplace(sign_id, group, buf) == OK)
+		rettv->vval.v_number = 0;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+	if (sign_unplace(sign_id, group, buf) == OK)
+	    rettv->vval.v_number = 0;
+    }
+    vim_free(group);
+}
+#endif
+
 /*
  * "simplify()" function
  */
diff --git a/src/ex_cmds.c b/src/ex_cmds.c
index cd243a5..5cb326e 100644
--- a/src/ex_cmds.c
+++ b/src/ex_cmds.c
@@ -7644,6 +7644,289 @@
 }
 
 /*
+ * Find a sign by name. Also returns pointer to the previous sign.
+ */
+    static sign_T *
+sign_find(char_u *name, sign_T **sp_prev)
+{
+    sign_T *sp;
+
+    if (sp_prev != NULL)
+	*sp_prev = NULL;
+    for (sp = first_sign; sp != NULL; sp = sp->sn_next)
+    {
+	if (STRCMP(sp->sn_name, name) == 0)
+	    break;
+	if (sp_prev != NULL)
+	    *sp_prev = sp;
+    }
+
+    return sp;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Define a new sign or update an existing sign
+ */
+    int
+sign_define_by_name(
+	char_u	*name,
+	char_u	*icon,
+	char_u	*linehl,
+	char_u	*text,
+	char_u	*texthl)
+{
+    sign_T	*sp_prev;
+    sign_T	*sp;
+
+    sp = sign_find(name, &sp_prev);
+    if (sp == NULL)
+    {
+	sign_T	*lp;
+	int	start = next_sign_typenr;
+
+	// Allocate a new sign.
+	sp = (sign_T *)alloc_clear_id((unsigned)sizeof(sign_T),
+						aid_sign_define_by_name);
+	if (sp == NULL)
+	    return FAIL;
+
+	// Check that next_sign_typenr is not already being used.
+	// This only happens after wrapping around.  Hopefully
+	// another one got deleted and we can use its number.
+	for (lp = first_sign; lp != NULL; )
+	{
+	    if (lp->sn_typenr == next_sign_typenr)
+	    {
+		++next_sign_typenr;
+		if (next_sign_typenr == MAX_TYPENR)
+		    next_sign_typenr = 1;
+		if (next_sign_typenr == start)
+		{
+		    vim_free(sp);
+		    EMSG(_("E612: Too many signs defined"));
+		    return FAIL;
+		}
+		lp = first_sign;  // start all over
+		continue;
+	    }
+	    lp = lp->sn_next;
+	}
+
+	sp->sn_typenr = next_sign_typenr;
+	if (++next_sign_typenr == MAX_TYPENR)
+	    next_sign_typenr = 1; // wrap around
+
+	sp->sn_name = vim_strsave(name);
+	if (sp->sn_name == NULL)  // out of memory
+	{
+	    vim_free(sp);
+	    return FAIL;
+	}
+
+	// add the new sign to the list of signs
+	if (sp_prev == NULL)
+	    first_sign = sp;
+	else
+	    sp_prev->sn_next = sp;
+    }
+
+    // set values for a defined sign.
+    if (icon != NULL)
+    {
+	vim_free(sp->sn_icon);
+	sp->sn_icon = vim_strsave(icon);
+	backslash_halve(sp->sn_icon);
+# ifdef FEAT_SIGN_ICONS
+	if (gui.in_use)
+	{
+	    out_flush();
+	    if (sp->sn_image != NULL)
+		gui_mch_destroy_sign(sp->sn_image);
+	    sp->sn_image = gui_mch_register_sign(sp->sn_icon);
+	}
+# endif
+    }
+
+    if (text != NULL)
+    {
+	char_u	*s;
+	char_u	*endp;
+	int	cells;
+	int	len;
+
+	endp = text + (int)STRLEN(text);
+	for (s = text; s + 1 < endp; ++s)
+	    if (*s == '\\')
+	    {
+		// Remove a backslash, so that it is possible
+		// to use a space.
+		STRMOVE(s, s + 1);
+		--endp;
+	    }
+# ifdef FEAT_MBYTE
+	// Count cells and check for non-printable chars
+	if (has_mbyte)
+	{
+	    cells = 0;
+	    for (s = text; s < endp; s += (*mb_ptr2len)(s))
+	    {
+		if (!vim_isprintc((*mb_ptr2char)(s)))
+		    break;
+		cells += (*mb_ptr2cells)(s);
+	    }
+	}
+	else
+# endif
+	{
+	    for (s = text; s < endp; ++s)
+		if (!vim_isprintc(*s))
+		    break;
+	    cells = (int)(s - text);
+	}
+	// Currently must be one or two display cells
+	if (s != endp || cells < 1 || cells > 2)
+	{
+	    EMSG2(_("E239: Invalid sign text: %s"), text);
+	    return FAIL;
+	}
+
+	vim_free(sp->sn_text);
+	// Allocate one byte more if we need to pad up
+	// with a space.
+	len = (int)(endp - text + ((cells == 1) ? 1 : 0));
+	sp->sn_text = vim_strnsave(text, len);
+
+	if (sp->sn_text != NULL && cells == 1)
+	    STRCPY(sp->sn_text + len - 1, " ");
+    }
+
+    if (linehl != NULL)
+	sp->sn_line_hl = syn_check_group(linehl, (int)STRLEN(linehl));
+
+    if (texthl != NULL)
+	sp->sn_text_hl = syn_check_group(texthl, (int)STRLEN(texthl));
+
+    return OK;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Free the sign specified by 'name'.
+ */
+    int
+sign_undefine_by_name(char_u *name)
+{
+    sign_T	*sp_prev;
+    sign_T	*sp;
+
+    sp = sign_find(name, &sp_prev);
+    if (sp == NULL)
+    {
+	EMSG2(_("E155: Unknown sign: %s"), name);
+	return FAIL;
+    }
+    sign_undefine(sp, sp_prev);
+
+    return OK;
+}
+
+/*
+ * List the signs matching 'name'
+ */
+    static void
+sign_list_by_name(char_u *name)
+{
+    sign_T	*sp;
+
+    sp = sign_find(name, NULL);
+    if (sp != NULL)
+	sign_list_defined(sp);
+    else
+	EMSG2(_("E155: Unknown sign: %s"), name);
+}
+
+/*
+ * Place a sign at the specifed file location or update a sign.
+ */
+    int
+sign_place(
+	int		*sign_id,
+	char_u		*sign_group,
+	char_u		*sign_name,
+	buf_T		*buf,
+	linenr_T	lnum,
+	int		prio)
+{
+    sign_T	*sp;
+
+    // Check for reserved character '*' in group name
+    if (sign_group != NULL && (*sign_group == '*' || *sign_group == '\0'))
+	return FAIL;
+
+    for (sp = first_sign; sp != NULL; sp = sp->sn_next)
+	if (STRCMP(sp->sn_name, sign_name) == 0)
+	    break;
+    if (sp == NULL)
+    {
+	EMSG2(_("E155: Unknown sign: %s"), sign_name);
+	return FAIL;
+    }
+    if (*sign_id == 0)
+    {
+	// Allocate a new sign id
+	int		id = 1;
+	signlist_T	*sign;
+
+	while ((sign = buf_getsign_with_id(buf, id, sign_group)) != NULL)
+	    id++;
+
+	*sign_id = id;
+    }
+
+    if (lnum > 0)
+	// ":sign place {id} line={lnum} name={name} file={fname}":
+	// place a sign
+	buf_addsign(buf, *sign_id, sign_group, prio, lnum, sp->sn_typenr);
+    else
+	// ":sign place {id} file={fname}": change sign type
+	lnum = buf_change_sign_type(buf, *sign_id, sign_group, sp->sn_typenr);
+    if (lnum > 0)
+	update_debug_sign(buf, lnum);
+    else
+    {
+	EMSG2(_("E885: Not possible to change sign %s"), sign_name);
+	return FAIL;
+    }
+
+    return OK;
+}
+
+/*
+ * Unplace the specified sign
+ */
+    int
+sign_unplace(int sign_id, char_u *sign_group, buf_T *buf)
+{
+    if (sign_id == 0)
+    {
+	// Delete all the signs in the specified buffer
+	redraw_buf_later(buf, NOT_VALID);
+	buf_delete_signs(buf, sign_group);
+    }
+    else
+    {
+	linenr_T	lnum;
+
+	// Delete only the specified signs
+	lnum = buf_delsign(buf, sign_id, sign_group);
+	if (lnum == 0)
+	    return FAIL;
+	update_debug_sign(buf, lnum);
+    }
+
+    return OK;
+}
+
+/*
  * ":sign" command
  */
     void
@@ -7653,7 +7936,6 @@
     char_u	*p;
     int		idx;
     sign_T	*sp;
-    sign_T	*sp_prev;
     buf_T	*buf = NULL;
 
     /* Parse the subcommand. */
@@ -7681,6 +7963,12 @@
 	    EMSG(_("E156: Missing sign name"));
 	else
 	{
+	    char_u	*name;
+	    char_u	*icon = NULL;
+	    char_u	*text = NULL;
+	    char_u	*linehl = NULL;
+	    char_u	*texthl = NULL;
+
 	    /* Isolate the sign name.  If it's a number skip leading zeroes,
 	     * so that "099" and "99" are the same sign.  But keep "0". */
 	    p = skiptowhite(arg);
@@ -7688,66 +7976,13 @@
 		*p++ = NUL;
 	    while (arg[0] == '0' && arg[1] != NUL)
 		++arg;
+	    name = vim_strsave(arg);
 
-	    sp_prev = NULL;
-	    for (sp = first_sign; sp != NULL; sp = sp->sn_next)
-	    {
-		if (STRCMP(sp->sn_name, arg) == 0)
-		    break;
-		sp_prev = sp;
-	    }
 	    if (idx == SIGNCMD_DEFINE)
 	    {
+		int failed = FALSE;
+
 		/* ":sign define {name} ...": define a sign */
-		if (sp == NULL)
-		{
-		    sign_T	*lp;
-		    int		start = next_sign_typenr;
-
-		    /* Allocate a new sign. */
-		    sp = (sign_T *)alloc_clear((unsigned)sizeof(sign_T));
-		    if (sp == NULL)
-			return;
-
-		    /* Check that next_sign_typenr is not already being used.
-		     * This only happens after wrapping around.  Hopefully
-		     * another one got deleted and we can use its number. */
-		    for (lp = first_sign; lp != NULL; )
-		    {
-			if (lp->sn_typenr == next_sign_typenr)
-			{
-			    ++next_sign_typenr;
-			    if (next_sign_typenr == MAX_TYPENR)
-				next_sign_typenr = 1;
-			    if (next_sign_typenr == start)
-			    {
-				vim_free(sp);
-				EMSG(_("E612: Too many signs defined"));
-				return;
-			    }
-			    lp = first_sign;  /* start all over */
-			    continue;
-			}
-			lp = lp->sn_next;
-		    }
-
-		    sp->sn_typenr = next_sign_typenr;
-		    if (++next_sign_typenr == MAX_TYPENR)
-			next_sign_typenr = 1; /* wrap around */
-
-		    sp->sn_name = vim_strsave(arg);
-		    if (sp->sn_name == NULL)  /* out of memory */
-		    {
-			vim_free(sp);
-			return;
-		    }
-
-		    /* add the new sign to the list of signs */
-		    if (sp_prev == NULL)
-			first_sign = sp;
-		    else
-			sp_prev->sn_next = sp;
-		}
 
 		/* set values for a defined sign. */
 		for (;;)
@@ -7759,96 +7994,48 @@
 		    if (STRNCMP(arg, "icon=", 5) == 0)
 		    {
 			arg += 5;
-			vim_free(sp->sn_icon);
-			sp->sn_icon = vim_strnsave(arg, (int)(p - arg));
-			backslash_halve(sp->sn_icon);
-# ifdef FEAT_SIGN_ICONS
-			if (gui.in_use)
-			{
-			    out_flush();
-			    if (sp->sn_image != NULL)
-				gui_mch_destroy_sign(sp->sn_image);
-			    sp->sn_image = gui_mch_register_sign(sp->sn_icon);
-			}
-# endif
+			icon = vim_strnsave(arg, (int)(p - arg));
 		    }
 		    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "text=", 5) == 0)
 		    {
-			char_u	*s;
-			int	cells;
-			int	len;
-
 			arg += 5;
-			for (s = arg; s + 1 < p; ++s)
-			    if (*s == '\\')
-			    {
-				// Remove a backslash, so that it is possible
-				// to use a space.
-				STRMOVE(s, s + 1);
-				--p;
-			    }
-# ifdef FEAT_MBYTE
-			/* Count cells and check for non-printable chars */
-			if (has_mbyte)
-			{
-			    cells = 0;
-			    for (s = arg; s < p; s += (*mb_ptr2len)(s))
-			    {
-				if (!vim_isprintc((*mb_ptr2char)(s)))
-				    break;
-				cells += (*mb_ptr2cells)(s);
-			    }
-			}
-			else
-# endif
-			{
-			    for (s = arg; s < p; ++s)
-				if (!vim_isprintc(*s))
-				    break;
-			    cells = (int)(s - arg);
-			}
-			/* Currently must be one or two display cells */
-			if (s != p || cells < 1 || cells > 2)
-			{
-			    *p = NUL;
-			    EMSG2(_("E239: Invalid sign text: %s"), arg);
-			    return;
-			}
-
-			vim_free(sp->sn_text);
-			/* Allocate one byte more if we need to pad up
-			 * with a space. */
-			len = (int)(p - arg + ((cells == 1) ? 1 : 0));
-			sp->sn_text = vim_strnsave(arg, len);
-
-			if (sp->sn_text != NULL && cells == 1)
-			    STRCPY(sp->sn_text + len - 1, " ");
+			text = vim_strnsave(arg, (int)(p - arg));
 		    }
 		    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "linehl=", 7) == 0)
 		    {
 			arg += 7;
-			sp->sn_line_hl = syn_check_group(arg, (int)(p - arg));
+			linehl = vim_strnsave(arg, (int)(p - arg));
 		    }
 		    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "texthl=", 7) == 0)
 		    {
 			arg += 7;
-			sp->sn_text_hl = syn_check_group(arg, (int)(p - arg));
+			texthl = vim_strnsave(arg, (int)(p - arg));
 		    }
 		    else
 		    {
 			EMSG2(_(e_invarg2), arg);
-			return;
+			failed = TRUE;
+			break;
 		    }
 		}
+
+		if (!failed)
+		    sign_define_by_name(name, icon, linehl, text, texthl);
+
+		vim_free(icon);
+		vim_free(text);
+		vim_free(linehl);
+		vim_free(texthl);
 	    }
-	    else if (sp == NULL)
-		EMSG2(_("E155: Unknown sign: %s"), arg);
 	    else if (idx == SIGNCMD_LIST)
 		/* ":sign list {name}" */
-		sign_list_defined(sp);
+		sign_list_by_name(name);
 	    else
 		/* ":sign undefine {name}" */
-		sign_undefine(sp, sp_prev);
+		sign_undefine_by_name(name);
+
+	    vim_free(name);
+	    return;
 	}
     }
     else
@@ -7856,24 +8043,24 @@
 	int		id = -1;
 	linenr_T	lnum = -1;
 	char_u		*sign_name = NULL;
+	char_u		*group = NULL;
+	int		prio = SIGN_DEF_PRIO;
 	char_u		*arg1;
+	int		bufarg = FALSE;
 
 	if (*arg == NUL)
 	{
 	    if (idx == SIGNCMD_PLACE)
 	    {
 		/* ":sign place": list placed signs in all buffers */
-		sign_list_placed(NULL);
+		sign_list_placed(NULL, NULL);
 	    }
 	    else if (idx == SIGNCMD_UNPLACE)
 	    {
 		/* ":sign unplace": remove placed sign at cursor */
 		id = buf_findsign_id(curwin->w_buffer, curwin->w_cursor.lnum);
 		if (id > 0)
-		{
-		    buf_delsign(curwin->w_buffer, id);
-		    update_debug_sign(curwin->w_buffer, curwin->w_cursor.lnum);
-		}
+		    sign_unplace(id, NULL, curwin->w_buffer);
 		else
 		    EMSG(_("E159: Missing sign number"));
 	    }
@@ -7906,18 +8093,17 @@
 		{
 		    /* ":sign unplace {id}": remove placed sign by number */
 		    FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
-			if ((lnum = buf_delsign(buf, id)) != 0)
-			    update_debug_sign(buf, lnum);
+			sign_unplace(id, NULL, buf);
 		    return;
 		}
 	    }
 	}
 
 	/*
-	 * Check for line={lnum} name={name} and file={fname} or buffer={nr}.
-	 * Leave "arg" pointing to {fname}.
+	 * Check for line={lnum} name={name} group={group} priority={prio}
+	 * and file={fname} or buffer={nr}.  Leave "arg" pointing to {fname}.
 	 */
-	for (;;)
+	while (*arg != NUL)
 	{
 	    if (STRNCMP(arg, "line=", 5) == 0)
 	    {
@@ -7945,10 +8131,25 @@
 		while (sign_name[0] == '0' && sign_name[1] != NUL)
 		    ++sign_name;
 	    }
+	    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "group=", 6) == 0)
+	    {
+		arg += 6;
+		group = arg;
+		arg = skiptowhite(arg);
+		if (*arg != NUL)
+		    *arg++ = NUL;
+	    }
+	    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "priority=", 9) == 0)
+	    {
+		arg += 9;
+		prio = atoi((char *)arg);
+		arg = skiptowhite(arg);
+	    }
 	    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "file=", 5) == 0)
 	    {
 		arg += 5;
-		buf = buflist_findname(arg);
+		buf = buflist_findname_exp(arg);
+		bufarg = TRUE;
 		break;
 	    }
 	    else if (STRNCMP(arg, "buffer=", 7) == 0)
@@ -7957,6 +8158,7 @@
 		buf = buflist_findnr((int)getdigits(&arg));
 		if (*skipwhite(arg) != NUL)
 		    EMSG(_(e_trailing));
+		bufarg = TRUE;
 		break;
 	    }
 	    else
@@ -7967,24 +8169,33 @@
 	    arg = skipwhite(arg);
 	}
 
-	if (buf == NULL)
+	if ((!bufarg && group == NULL) || (group != NULL && *group == '\0'))
+	{
+	    // File or buffer is not specified or an empty group is used
+	    EMSG(_(e_invarg));
+	    return;
+	}
+
+	if (bufarg && buf == NULL)
 	{
 	    EMSG2(_("E158: Invalid buffer name: %s"), arg);
 	}
 	else if (id <= 0 && !(idx == SIGNCMD_UNPLACE && id == -2))
 	{
-	    if (lnum >= 0 || sign_name != NULL)
+	    if ((group == NULL) && (lnum >= 0 || sign_name != NULL))
 		EMSG(_(e_invarg));
 	    else
-		/* ":sign place file={fname}": list placed signs in one file */
-		sign_list_placed(buf);
+		// ":sign place file={fname}": list placed signs in one file
+		// ":sign place group={group} file={fname}"
+		// ":sign place group=* file={fname}"
+		sign_list_placed(buf, group);
 	}
 	else if (idx == SIGNCMD_JUMP)
 	{
 	    /* ":sign jump {id} file={fname}" */
 	    if (lnum >= 0 || sign_name != NULL)
 		EMSG(_(e_invarg));
-	    else if ((lnum = buf_findsign(buf, id)) > 0)
+	    else if ((lnum = buf_findsign(buf, id, group)) > 0)
 	    {				/* goto a sign ... */
 		if (buf_jump_open_win(buf) != NULL)
 		{			/* ... in a current window */
@@ -8021,45 +8232,164 @@
 		EMSG(_(e_invarg));
 	    else if (id == -2)
 	    {
-		/* ":sign unplace * file={fname}" */
-		redraw_buf_later(buf, NOT_VALID);
-		buf_delete_signs(buf);
+		if (buf != NULL)
+		    // ":sign unplace * file={fname}"
+		    sign_unplace(0, group, buf);
+		else
+		    // ":sign unplace * group=*": remove all placed signs
+		    FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
+			if (buf->b_signlist != NULL)
+			    buf_delete_signs(buf, group);
 	    }
 	    else
 	    {
-		/* ":sign unplace {id} file={fname}" */
-		lnum = buf_delsign(buf, id);
-		update_debug_sign(buf, lnum);
+		if (buf != NULL)
+		    // ":sign unplace {id} file={fname}"
+		    // ":sign unplace {id} group={group} file={fname}"
+		    // ":sign unplace {id} group=* file={fname}"
+		    sign_unplace(id, group, buf);
+		else
+		    // ":sign unplace {id} group={group}":
+		    // ":sign unplace {id} group=*":
+		    //     remove all placed signs in this group.
+		    FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
+			if (buf->b_signlist != NULL)
+			    sign_unplace(id, group, buf);
 	    }
 	}
 	    /* idx == SIGNCMD_PLACE */
-	else if (sign_name != NULL)
-	{
-	    for (sp = first_sign; sp != NULL; sp = sp->sn_next)
-		if (STRCMP(sp->sn_name, sign_name) == 0)
-		    break;
-	    if (sp == NULL)
-	    {
-		EMSG2(_("E155: Unknown sign: %s"), sign_name);
-		return;
-	    }
-	    if (lnum > 0)
-		/* ":sign place {id} line={lnum} name={name} file={fname}":
-		 * place a sign */
-		buf_addsign(buf, id, lnum, sp->sn_typenr);
-	    else
-		/* ":sign place {id} file={fname}": change sign type */
-		lnum = buf_change_sign_type(buf, id, sp->sn_typenr);
-	    if (lnum > 0)
-		update_debug_sign(buf, lnum);
-	    else
-		EMSG2(_("E885: Not possible to change sign %s"), sign_name);
-	}
+	else if (sign_name != NULL && buf != NULL)
+	    sign_place(&id, group, sign_name, buf, lnum, prio);
 	else
 	    EMSG(_(e_invarg));
     }
 }
 
+/*
+ * Return information about a specified sign
+ */
+    static void
+sign_getinfo(sign_T *sp, dict_T *retdict)
+{
+    char_u	*p;
+
+    dict_add_string(retdict, "name", (char_u *)sp->sn_name);
+    if (sp->sn_icon != NULL)
+	dict_add_string(retdict, "icon", (char_u *)sp->sn_icon);
+    if (sp->sn_text != NULL)
+	dict_add_string(retdict, "text", (char_u *)sp->sn_text);
+    if (sp->sn_line_hl > 0)
+    {
+	p = get_highlight_name_ext(NULL, sp->sn_line_hl - 1, FALSE);
+	if (p == NULL)
+	    p = (char_u *)"NONE";
+	dict_add_string(retdict, "linehl", (char_u *)p);
+    }
+    if (sp->sn_text_hl > 0)
+    {
+	p = get_highlight_name_ext(NULL, sp->sn_text_hl - 1, FALSE);
+	if (p == NULL)
+	    p = (char_u *)"NONE";
+	dict_add_string(retdict, "texthl", (char_u *)p);
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+ * If 'name' is NULL, return a list of all the defined signs.
+ * Otherwise, return information about the specified sign.
+ */
+    void
+sign_getlist(char_u *name, list_T *retlist)
+{
+    sign_T	*sp = first_sign;
+    dict_T	*dict;
+
+    if (name != NULL)
+    {
+	sp = sign_find(name, NULL);
+	if (sp == NULL)
+	    return;
+    }
+
+    for (; sp != NULL && !got_int; sp = sp->sn_next)
+    {
+	if ((dict = dict_alloc_id(aid_sign_getlist)) == NULL)
+	    return;
+	if (list_append_dict(retlist, dict) == FAIL)
+	    return;
+	sign_getinfo(sp, dict);
+
+	if (name != NULL)	    // handle only the specified sign
+	    break;
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+ * Return information about all the signs placed in a buffer
+ */
+    static void
+sign_get_placed_in_buf(
+	buf_T		*buf,
+	linenr_T	lnum,
+	int		sign_id,
+	char_u		*sign_group,
+	list_T		*retlist)
+{
+    dict_T	*d;
+    list_T	*l;
+    signlist_T	*sign;
+    dict_T	*sdict;
+
+    if ((d = dict_alloc_id(aid_sign_getplaced_dict)) == NULL)
+	return;
+    list_append_dict(retlist, d);
+
+    dict_add_number(d, "bufnr", (long)buf->b_fnum);
+
+    if ((l = list_alloc_id(aid_sign_getplaced_list)) == NULL)
+	return;
+    dict_add_list(d, "signs", l);
+
+    FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf)
+    {
+	if (!sign_in_group(sign, sign_group))
+	    continue;
+	if ((lnum == 0 && sign_id == 0) ||
+		(sign_id == 0 && lnum == sign->lnum) ||
+		(lnum == 0 && sign_id == sign->id) ||
+		(lnum == sign->lnum && sign_id == sign->id))
+	{
+	    if ((sdict = sign_get_info(sign)) != NULL)
+		list_append_dict(l, sdict);
+	}
+    }
+}
+
+/*
+ * Get a list of signs placed in buffer 'buf'. If 'num' is non-zero, return the
+ * sign placed at the line number. If 'lnum' is zero, return all the signs
+ * placed in 'buf'. If 'buf' is NULL, return signs placed in all the buffers.
+ */
+    void
+sign_get_placed(
+	buf_T		*buf,
+	linenr_T	lnum,
+	int		sign_id,
+	char_u		*sign_group,
+	list_T		*retlist)
+{
+    if (buf != NULL)
+	sign_get_placed_in_buf(buf, lnum, sign_id, sign_group, retlist);
+    else
+    {
+	FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
+	{
+	    if (buf->b_signlist != NULL)
+		sign_get_placed_in_buf(buf, 0, sign_id, sign_group, retlist);
+	}
+    }
+}
+
 # if defined(FEAT_SIGN_ICONS) || defined(PROTO)
 /*
  * Allocate the icons.  Called when the GUI has started.  Allows defining
@@ -8214,7 +8544,6 @@
     return (char_u *)_("[Deleted]");
 }
 
-# if defined(EXITFREE) || defined(PROTO)
 /*
  * Undefine/free all signs.
  */
@@ -8224,7 +8553,6 @@
     while (first_sign != NULL)
 	sign_undefine(first_sign, NULL);
 }
-# endif
 
 # if defined(FEAT_CMDL_COMPL) || defined(PROTO)
 static enum
diff --git a/src/globals.h b/src/globals.h
index 131c13b..67fcb4b 100644
--- a/src/globals.h
+++ b/src/globals.h
@@ -606,6 +606,10 @@
 
 #define FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf) for (buf = firstbuf; buf != NULL; buf = buf->b_next)
 
+// Iterate through all the signs placed in a buffer
+#define FOR_ALL_SIGNS_IN_BUF(buf) \
+	for (sign = buf->b_signlist; sign != NULL; sign = sign->next)
+
 /* Flag that is set when switching off 'swapfile'.  It means that all blocks
  * are to be loaded into memory.  Shouldn't be global... */
 EXTERN int	mf_dont_release INIT(= FALSE);	/* don't release blocks */
diff --git a/src/list.c b/src/list.c
index 3cf6dff..679276c 100644
--- a/src/list.c
+++ b/src/list.c
@@ -116,6 +116,20 @@
 }
 
 /*
+ * Same as rettv_list_alloc() but uses an allocation id for testing.
+ */
+    int
+rettv_list_alloc_id(typval_T *rettv, alloc_id_T id UNUSED)
+{
+#ifdef FEAT_EVAL
+    if (alloc_fail_id == id && alloc_does_fail((long_u)sizeof(list_T)))
+	return FAIL;
+#endif
+    return rettv_list_alloc(rettv);
+}
+
+
+/*
  * Set a list as the return value
  */
     void
diff --git a/src/misc2.c b/src/misc2.c
index 060a333..a0781d4 100644
--- a/src/misc2.c
+++ b/src/misc2.c
@@ -895,6 +895,19 @@
 }
 
 /*
+ * Same as alloc_clear() but with allocation id for testing
+ */
+    char_u *
+alloc_clear_id(unsigned size, alloc_id_T id UNUSED)
+{
+#ifdef FEAT_EVAL
+    if (alloc_fail_id == id && alloc_does_fail((long_u)size))
+	return NULL;
+#endif
+    return alloc_clear(size);
+}
+
+/*
  * alloc() with check for maximum line length
  */
     char_u *
diff --git a/src/netbeans.c b/src/netbeans.c
index 2458a41..9b6b522 100644
--- a/src/netbeans.c
+++ b/src/netbeans.c
@@ -1042,7 +1042,7 @@
 		cp = (char *)args;
 		serNum = strtol(cp, &cp, 10);
 		/* If the sign isn't found linenum will be zero. */
-		linenum = (long)buf_findsign(buf->bufp, serNum);
+		linenum = (long)buf_findsign(buf->bufp, serNum, NULL);
 	    }
 #endif
 	    nb_reply_nr(cmdno, linenum);
@@ -1256,7 +1256,7 @@
 			{
 			    nbdebug(("    Deleting sign %d on line %d\n",
 								      id, i));
-			    buf_delsign(buf->bufp, id);
+			    buf_delsign(buf->bufp, id, NULL);
 			}
 			else
 			{
diff --git a/src/proto/buffer.pro b/src/proto/buffer.pro
index 131ac82..0a7a616 100644
--- a/src/proto/buffer.pro
+++ b/src/proto/buffer.pro
@@ -69,17 +69,22 @@
 void switch_to_win_for_buf(buf_T *buf, win_T **save_curwinp, tabpage_T **save_curtabp, bufref_T *save_curbuf);
 void restore_win_for_buf(win_T *save_curwin, tabpage_T *save_curtab, bufref_T *save_curbuf);
 int find_win_for_buf(buf_T *buf, win_T **wp, tabpage_T **tp);
-void buf_addsign(buf_T *buf, int id, linenr_T lnum, int typenr);
-linenr_T buf_change_sign_type(buf_T *buf, int markId, int typenr);
+void buf_addsign(buf_T *buf, int id, char_u *group, int prio, linenr_T lnum, int typenr);
+linenr_T buf_change_sign_type(buf_T *buf, int markId, char_u *group, int typenr);
 int buf_getsigntype(buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum, int type);
-linenr_T buf_delsign(buf_T *buf, int id);
-int buf_findsign(buf_T *buf, int id);
+linenr_T buf_delsign(buf_T *buf, int id, char_u *group);
+int buf_findsign(buf_T *buf, int id, char_u *group);
+#ifdef FEAT_SIGNS
+int sign_in_group(signlist_T *sign, char_u *group);
+dict_T *sign_get_info(signlist_T *sign);
+signlist_T *buf_getsign_with_id(buf_T *buf, int id, char_u *group);
+#endif
 int buf_findsign_id(buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum);
 int buf_findsigntype_id(buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum, int typenr);
 int buf_signcount(buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum);
-void buf_delete_signs(buf_T *buf);
+void buf_delete_signs(buf_T *buf, char_u *group);
 void buf_delete_all_signs(void);
-void sign_list_placed(buf_T *rbuf);
+void sign_list_placed(buf_T *rbuf, char_u *sign_group);
 void sign_mark_adjust(linenr_T line1, linenr_T line2, long amount, long amount_after);
 void set_buflisted(int on);
 int buf_contents_changed(buf_T *buf);
diff --git a/src/proto/ex_cmds.pro b/src/proto/ex_cmds.pro
index 12e6b38..00d0217 100644
--- a/src/proto/ex_cmds.pro
+++ b/src/proto/ex_cmds.pro
@@ -61,10 +61,17 @@
 void *sign_get_image(int typenr);
 char_u *sign_typenr2name(int typenr);
 void free_signs(void);
+void free_signs(void);
 char_u *get_sign_name(expand_T *xp, int idx);
 void set_context_in_sign_cmd(expand_T *xp, char_u *arg);
 void ex_smile(exarg_T *eap);
 void ex_drop(exarg_T *eap);
 char_u *skip_vimgrep_pat(char_u *p, char_u **s, int *flags);
 void ex_oldfiles(exarg_T *eap);
+int sign_define_by_name(char_u *name, char_u *icon, char_u *linehl, char_u *text, char_u *texthl);
+int sign_undefine_by_name(char_u *name);
+void sign_getlist(char_u *name, list_T *retlist);
+int sign_place(int *sign_id, char_u *group, char_u *sign_name, buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum, int prio);
+int sign_unplace(int id, char_u *group, buf_T *buf);
+void sign_get_placed(buf_T *buf, linenr_T lnum, int id, char_u *group, list_T *retlist);
 /* vim: set ft=c : */
diff --git a/src/proto/list.pro b/src/proto/list.pro
index 2f0b404..88d9028 100644
--- a/src/proto/list.pro
+++ b/src/proto/list.pro
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 list_T *list_alloc(void);
 list_T *list_alloc_id(alloc_id_T id);
 int rettv_list_alloc(typval_T *rettv);
+int rettv_list_alloc_id(typval_T *rettv, alloc_id_T id);
 void rettv_list_set(typval_T *rettv, list_T *l);
 void list_unref(list_T *l);
 int list_free_nonref(int copyID);
diff --git a/src/proto/misc2.pro b/src/proto/misc2.pro
index 949ff72..b54337b 100644
--- a/src/proto/misc2.pro
+++ b/src/proto/misc2.pro
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 char_u *alloc(unsigned size);
 char_u *alloc_id(unsigned size, alloc_id_T id);
 char_u *alloc_clear(unsigned size);
+char_u * alloc_clear_id(unsigned size, alloc_id_T id);
 char_u *alloc_check(unsigned size);
 char_u *lalloc_clear(long_u size, int message);
 char_u *lalloc(long_u size, int message);
diff --git a/src/structs.h b/src/structs.h
index 6f50785..09a5665 100644
--- a/src/structs.h
+++ b/src/structs.h
@@ -740,10 +740,15 @@
     int		id;		/* unique identifier for each placed sign */
     linenr_T	lnum;		/* line number which has this sign */
     int		typenr;		/* typenr of sign */
+    char_u	*group;		/* sign group */
+    int		priority;	/* priority for highlighting */
     signlist_T	*next;		/* next signlist entry */
     signlist_T  *prev;		/* previous entry -- for easy reordering */
 };
 
+// Default sign priority for highlighting
+#define SIGN_DEF_PRIO	10
+
 /* type argument for buf_getsigntype() */
 #define SIGN_ANY	0
 #define SIGN_LINEHL	1
diff --git a/src/testdir/test_signs.vim b/src/testdir/test_signs.vim
index 96e0244..07705c7 100644
--- a/src/testdir/test_signs.vim
+++ b/src/testdir/test_signs.vim
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@
   try
     sign define Sign2 text=xy texthl=Title linehl=Error icon=../../pixmaps/stock_vim_find_help.png
   catch /E255:/
-    " ignore error: E255: Couldn't read in sign data!
-    " This error can happen when running in gui.
+    " Ignore error: E255: Couldn't read in sign data!
+    " This error can happen when running in the GUI.
     " Some gui like Motif do not support the png icon format.
   endtry
 
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@
 
   " Check placed signs
   let a=execute('sign place')
-  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for [NULL]:\n    line=3  id=41  name=Sign1\n", a)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for [NULL]:\n    line=3  id=41  name=Sign1 priority=10\n", a)
 
   " Unplace the sign and try jumping to it again should fail.
   sign unplace 41
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@
   " Only 1 or 2 character text is allowed
   call assert_fails("sign define Sign4 text=abc linehl=Comment", 'E239:')
   call assert_fails("sign define Sign4 text= linehl=Comment", 'E239:')
-  call assert_fails("sign define Sign4 text=\ ab  linehl=Comment", 'E239:')
+  call assert_fails("sign define Sign4 text=\\ ab  linehl=Comment", 'E239:')
 
   " define sign with whitespace
   sign define Sign4 text=\ X linehl=Comment
@@ -131,6 +131,28 @@
   sign define Sign4 text=\\ linehl=Comment
   sign undefine Sign4
 
+  " Error cases
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place abc line=3 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace abc name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 1abc line=3 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 2abc name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign unplace 2 *", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 1 line=3 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%') a", 'E488:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place line=10 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 2 line=10 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 2 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 2 line=3 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 2", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place abc", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 line=3", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 name=Sign1", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 group=g1", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 group=*", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 priority=10", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 line=3 name=Sign1", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 group=g1 line=3 name=Sign1", 'E474:')
+
   " After undefining the sign, we should no longer be able to place it.
   sign undefine Sign1
   sign undefine Sign2
@@ -152,7 +174,7 @@
 
   " Listing placed sign should show that sign is deleted.
   let a=execute('sign place')
-  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for foobar:\n    line=1  id=41  name=[Deleted]\n", a)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for foobar:\n    line=1  id=41  name=[Deleted] priority=10\n", a)
 
   sign unplace 41
   let a=execute('sign place')
@@ -202,6 +224,8 @@
 endfunc
 
 func Test_sign_invalid_commands()
+  sign define Sign1 text=x
+
   call assert_fails('sign', 'E471:')
   call assert_fails('sign jump', 'E471:')
   call assert_fails('sign xxx', 'E160:')
@@ -211,6 +235,52 @@
   call assert_fails('sign list xxx', 'E155:')
   call assert_fails('sign place 1 buffer=999', 'E158:')
   call assert_fails('sign define Sign2 text=', 'E239:')
+  " Non-numeric identifier for :sign place
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place abc line=3 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Non-numeric identifier for :sign unplace
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace abc name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Number followed by an alphabet as sign identifier for :sign place
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 1abc line=3 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Number followed by an alphabet as sign identifier for :sign unplace
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 2abc name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Sign identifier and '*' for :sign unplace
+  call assert_fails("sign unplace 2 *", 'E474:')
+  " Trailing characters after buffer number for :sign place
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 1 line=3 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%') . 'xxx'", 'E488:')
+  " Trailing characters after buffer number for :sign unplace
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 1 buffer=' . bufnr('%') . 'xxx'", 'E488:')
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace * buffer=' . bufnr('%') . 'xxx'", 'E488:')
+  call assert_fails("sign unplace 1 xxx", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign unplace * xxx", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign unplace xxx", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign without line number
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign without sign name
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place line=10 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Unplacing a sign with line number
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 2 line=10 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Unplacing a sign with sign name
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign unplace 2 name=Sign1 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign without sign name
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 2 line=3 buffer=' . bufnr('%')", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign with only sign identifier
+  call assert_fails("sign place 2", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign with only a name
+  call assert_fails("sign place abc", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign with only line number
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 line=3", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign with only sign name
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 name=Sign1", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign with only sign group
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 group=g1", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 group=*", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign with only sign priority
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 priority=10", 'E474:')
+  " Placing a sign without buffer number or file name
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 line=3 name=Sign1", 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails("sign place 5 group=g1 line=3 name=Sign1", 'E474:')
+
+  sign undefine Sign1
 endfunc
 
 func Test_sign_delete_buffer()
@@ -224,3 +294,549 @@
   sign unplace 61
   sign undefine Sign
 endfunc
+
+" Test for VimL functions for managing signs
+func Test_sign_funcs()
+  " Remove all the signs
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+
+  " Tests for sign_define()
+  let attr = {'text' : '=>', 'linehl' : 'Search', 'texthl' : 'Error'}
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_define("sign1", attr))
+  call assert_equal([{'name' : 'sign1', 'texthl' : 'Error',
+	      \ 'linehl' : 'Search', 'text' : '=>'}], sign_getdefined())
+
+  " Define a new sign without attributes and then update it
+  call sign_define("sign2")
+  let attr = {'text' : '!!', 'linehl' : 'DiffAdd', 'texthl' : 'DiffChange',
+	      \ 'icon' : 'sign2.ico'}
+  try
+    call sign_define("sign2", attr)
+  catch /E255:/
+    " ignore error: E255: Couldn't read in sign data!
+    " This error can happen when running in gui.
+  endtry
+  call assert_equal([{'name' : 'sign2', 'texthl' : 'DiffChange',
+	      \ 'linehl' : 'DiffAdd', 'text' : '!!', 'icon' : 'sign2.ico'}],
+	      \ sign_getdefined("sign2"))
+
+  " Test for a sign name with digits
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_define(0002, {'linehl' : 'StatusLine'}))
+  call assert_equal([{'name' : '2', 'linehl' : 'StatusLine'}],
+	      \ sign_getdefined(0002))
+  call sign_undefine(0002)
+
+  " Tests for invalid arguments to sign_define()
+  call assert_fails('call sign_define("sign4", {"text" : "===>"})', 'E239:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_define("sign5", {"text" : ""})', 'E239:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_define([])', 'E730:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_define("sign6", [])', 'E715:')
+
+  " Tests for sign_getdefined()
+  call assert_equal([], sign_getdefined("none"))
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getdefined({})', 'E731:')
+
+  " Tests for sign_place()
+  call writefile(repeat(["Sun is shining"], 30), "Xsign")
+  edit Xsign
+
+  call assert_equal(10, sign_place(10, '', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 20}))
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' :
+	      \ [{'id' : 10, 'group' : '', 'lnum' : 20, 'name' : 'sign1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}]}], sign_getplaced('Xsign'))
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' :
+	      \ [{'id' : 10, 'group' : '', 'lnum' : 20, 'name' : 'sign1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}]}],
+	      \ sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'lnum' : 20}))
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' :
+	      \ [{'id' : 10, 'group' : '', 'lnum' : 20, 'name' : 'sign1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}]}],
+	      \ sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'id' : 10}))
+
+  " Tests for invalid arguments to sign_place()
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place([], "", "mySign", 1)', 'E745:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(5, "", "mySign", -1)', 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(-1, "", "sign1", "Xsign", [])',
+	      \ 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(-1, "", "sign1", "Xsign",
+	      \ {"lnum" : 30})', 'E474:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(10, "", "xsign1x", "Xsign",
+	      \ {"lnum" : 30})', 'E155:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(10, "", "", "Xsign",
+	      \ {"lnum" : 30})', 'E155:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(10, "", [], "Xsign",
+	      \ {"lnum" : 30})', 'E730:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(5, "", "sign1", "abcxyz.xxx",
+	      \ {"lnum" : 10})', 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(5, "", "sign1", "", {"lnum" : 10})',
+	      \ 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(5, "", "sign1", [], {"lnum" : 10})',
+	      \ 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(21, "", "sign1", "Xsign",
+	      \ {"lnum" : -1})', 'E885:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(22, "", "sign1", "Xsign",
+	      \ {"lnum" : 0})', 'E885:')
+  call assert_equal(-1, sign_place(1, "*", "sign1", "Xsign", {"lnum" : 10}))
+
+  " Tests for sign_getplaced()
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' :
+	      \ [{'id' : 10, 'group' : '', 'lnum' : 20, 'name' : 'sign1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}]}],
+	      \ sign_getplaced(bufnr('Xsign')))
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' :
+	      \ [{'id' : 10, 'group' : '', 'lnum' : 20, 'name' : 'sign1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}]}],
+	      \ sign_getplaced())
+  call assert_fails("call sign_getplaced('dummy.sign')", 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getplaced("")', 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getplaced(-1)', 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getplaced("Xsign", [])', 'E715:')
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' : []}],
+	      \ sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'lnum' : 1000000}))
+  call assert_fails("call sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'lnum' : []})",
+	      \ 'E745:')
+  call assert_equal([{'bufnr' : bufnr(''), 'signs' : []}],
+	      \ sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'id' : 44}))
+  call assert_fails("call sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'id' : []})",
+	      \ 'E745:')
+
+  " Tests for sign_unplace()
+  call sign_place(20, '', 'sign2', 'Xsign', {"lnum" : 30})
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('',
+	      \ {'id' : 20, 'buffer' : 'Xsign'}))
+  call assert_equal(-1, sign_unplace('',
+	      \ {'id' : 30, 'buffer' : 'Xsign'}))
+  call sign_place(20, '', 'sign2', 'Xsign', {"lnum" : 30})
+  call assert_fails("call sign_unplace('',
+	      \ {'id' : 20, 'buffer' : 'buffer.c'})", 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails("call sign_unplace('',
+	      \ {'id' : 20, 'buffer' : ''})", 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails("call sign_unplace('',
+	      \ {'id' : 20, 'buffer' : 200})", 'E158:')
+  call assert_fails("call sign_unplace('', 'mySign')", 'E715:')
+
+  " Tests for sign_undefine()
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_undefine("sign1"))
+  call assert_equal([], sign_getdefined("sign1"))
+  call assert_fails('call sign_undefine("none")', 'E155:')
+  call assert_fails('call sign_undefine([])', 'E730:')
+
+  call delete("Xsign")
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+  enew | only
+endfunc
+
+" Tests for sign groups
+func Test_sign_group()
+  enew | only
+  " Remove all the signs
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+
+  call writefile(repeat(["Sun is shining"], 30), "Xsign")
+
+  let attr = {'text' : '=>', 'linehl' : 'Search', 'texthl' : 'Error'}
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_define("sign1", attr))
+
+  edit Xsign
+  let bnum = bufnr('%')
+  let fname = fnamemodify('Xsign', ':p')
+
+  " Error case
+  call assert_fails("call sign_place(5, [], 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 30})", 'E730:')
+
+  " place three signs with the same identifier. One in the global group and
+  " others in the named groups
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, '', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 10}))
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, 'g1', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 20}))
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, 'g2', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 30}))
+
+  " Test for sign_getplaced() with group
+  let s = sign_getplaced('Xsign')
+  call assert_equal(1, len(s[0].signs))
+  call assert_equal(s[0].signs[0].group, '')
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g2'})
+  call assert_equal('g2', s[0].signs[0].group)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g3'})
+  call assert_equal([], s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal([{'id' : 5, 'group' : '', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 10,
+	      \ 'priority' : 10},
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'group' : 'g1', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 20,
+	      \  'priority' : 10},
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'group' : 'g2', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 30,
+	      \  'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+
+  " Test for sign_getplaced() with id
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'id' : 5})
+  call assert_equal([{'id' : 5, 'group' : '', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 10,
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'id' : 5, 'group' : 'g2'})
+  call assert_equal(
+	      \ [{'id' : 5, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 30, 'group' : 'g2',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'id' : 5, 'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal([{'id' : 5, 'group' : '', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 10,
+	      \ 'priority' : 10},
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'group' : 'g1', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 20,
+	      \ 'priority' : 10},
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'group' : 'g2', 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 30,
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'id' : 5, 'group' : 'g3'})
+  call assert_equal([], s[0].signs)
+
+  " Test for sign_getplaced() with lnum
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'lnum' : 20})
+  call assert_equal([], s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'lnum' : 20, 'group' : 'g1'})
+  call assert_equal(
+	      \ [{'id' : 5, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 20, 'group' : 'g1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'lnum' : 30, 'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal(
+	      \ [{'id' : 5, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 30, 'group' : 'g2',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'lnum' : 40, 'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal([], s[0].signs)
+
+  " Error case
+  call assert_fails("call sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : []})",
+	      \ 'E730:')
+
+  " Clear the sign in global group
+  call sign_unplace('', {'id' : 5, 'buffer' : bnum})
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal([
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 20, 'group' : 'g1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10},
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 30, 'group' : 'g2',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+
+  " Clear the sign in one of the groups
+  call sign_unplace('g1', {'buffer' : 'Xsign'})
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal([
+	      \ {'id' : 5, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 30, 'group' : 'g2',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+
+  " Clear all the signs from the buffer
+  call sign_unplace('*', {'buffer' : bnum})
+  call assert_equal([], sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : '*'})[0].signs)
+
+  " Clear sign across groups using an identifier
+  call sign_place(25, '', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 10})
+  call sign_place(25, 'g1', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 11})
+  call sign_place(25, 'g2', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 12})
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('*', {'id' : 25}))
+  call assert_equal([], sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : '*'})[0].signs)
+
+  " Error case
+  call assert_fails("call sign_unplace([])", 'E474:')
+
+  " Place a sign in the global group and try to delete it using a group
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, '', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 10}))
+  call assert_equal(-1, sign_unplace('g1', {'id' : 5}))
+
+  " Place signs in multiple groups and delete all the signs in one of the
+  " group
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, '', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 10}))
+  call assert_equal(6, sign_place(6, '', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 11}))
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, 'g1', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 10}))
+  call assert_equal(5, sign_place(5, 'g2', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 10}))
+  call assert_equal(6, sign_place(6, 'g1', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 11}))
+  call assert_equal(6, sign_place(6, 'g2', 'sign1', bnum, {'lnum' : 11}))
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('g1'))
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g1'})
+  call assert_equal([], s[0].signs)
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum)
+  call assert_equal(2, len(s[0].signs))
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g2'})
+  call assert_equal('g2', s[0].signs[0].group)
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('', {'id' : 5}))
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('', {'id' : 6}))
+  let s = sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g2'})
+  call assert_equal('g2', s[0].signs[0].group)
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('', {'buffer' : bnum}))
+
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+
+  " Test for :sign command and groups
+  exe 'sign place 5 line=10 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=10 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g2 line=10 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+
+  " Test for :sign place group={group} file={fname}
+  let a = execute('sign place file=' . fname)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=g2 file=' . fname)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n    line=10  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=* file=' . fname)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=xyz file=' . fname)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n", a)
+
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+
+  " Test for :sign place group={group} buffer={nr}
+  let bnum = bufnr('Xsign')
+  exe 'sign place 5 line=10 name=sign1 buffer=' . bnum
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 buffer=' . bnum
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g2 line=12 name=sign1 buffer=' . bnum
+
+  let a = execute('sign place buffer=' . bnum)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=g2 buffer=' . bnum)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n    line=12  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=* buffer=' . bnum)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=11  id=5  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=12  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=xyz buffer=' . bnum)
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n", a)
+
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=11  id=5  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=12  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  " Test for :sign unplace
+  exe 'sign unplace 5 group=g2 file=' . fname
+  call assert_equal([], sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g2'})[0].signs)
+
+  exe 'sign unplace 5 group=g1 buffer=' . bnum
+  call assert_equal([], sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : 'g1'})[0].signs)
+
+  exe 'sign unplace 5 group=xy file=' . fname
+  call assert_equal(1, len(sign_getplaced(bnum, {'group' : '*'})[0].signs))
+
+  " Test for removing all the signs. Place the signs again for this test
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g2 line=12 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 line=20 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 group=g1 line=21 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 group=g2 line=22 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign unplace 5 group=* file=' . fname
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=20  id=6  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=21  id=6  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=22  id=6  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  " Remove all the signs from the global group
+  exe 'sign unplace * file=' . fname
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=21  id=6  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=22  id=6  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  " Remove all the signs from a particular group
+  exe 'sign place 5 line=10 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g2 line=12 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign unplace * group=g1 file=' . fname
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=12  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=22  id=6  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  " Remove all the signs from all the groups in a file
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 line=20 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 group=g1 line=21 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign unplace * group=* file=' . fname
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\n", a)
+
+  " Remove a particular sign id in a group from all the files
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  sign unplace 5 group=g1
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\n", a)
+
+  " Remove a particular sign id in all the groups from all the files
+  exe 'sign place 5 line=10 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g2 line=12 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 line=20 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 group=g1 line=21 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 6 group=g2 line=22 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  sign unplace 5 group=*
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=20  id=6  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=21  id=6  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=10\n" .
+	      \ "    line=22  id=6  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=10\n", a)
+
+  " Remove all the signs from all the groups in all the files
+  exe 'sign place 5 line=10 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  exe 'sign place 5 group=g1 line=11 name=sign1 file=' . fname
+  sign unplace * group=*
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\n", a)
+
+  " Error cases
+  call assert_fails("exe 'sign place 3 group= name=sign1 buffer=' . bnum", 'E474:')
+
+  call delete("Xsign")
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+  enew  | only
+endfunc
+
+" Tests for auto-generating the sign identifier
+func Test_sign_id_autogen()
+  enew | only
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+
+  let attr = {'text' : '=>', 'linehl' : 'Search', 'texthl' : 'Error'}
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_define("sign1", attr))
+
+  call writefile(repeat(["Sun is shining"], 30), "Xsign")
+  edit Xsign
+
+  call assert_equal(1, sign_place(0, '', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 10}))
+  call assert_equal(2, sign_place(2, '', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 12}))
+  call assert_equal(3, sign_place(0, '', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 14}))
+  call sign_unplace('', {'buffer' : 'Xsign', 'id' : 2})
+  call assert_equal(2, sign_place(0, '', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 12}))
+
+  call assert_equal(1, sign_place(0, 'g1', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 11}))
+  call assert_equal(0, sign_unplace('g1', {'id' : 1}))
+  call assert_equal(10,
+	      \ sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'id' : 1})[0].signs[0].lnum)
+
+  call delete("Xsign")
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+  enew  | only
+endfunc
+
+" Test for sign priority
+func Test_sign_priority()
+  enew | only
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+
+  let attr = {'text' : '=>', 'linehl' : 'Search', 'texthl' : 'Search'}
+  call sign_define("sign1", attr)
+  call sign_define("sign2", attr)
+  call sign_define("sign3", attr)
+
+  " Place three signs with different priority in the same line
+  call writefile(repeat(["Sun is shining"], 30), "Xsign")
+  edit Xsign
+  let fname = fnamemodify('Xsign', ':p')
+
+  call sign_place(1, 'g1', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 11, 'priority' : 50})
+  call sign_place(2, 'g2', 'sign2', 'Xsign',
+	      \ {'lnum' : 11, 'priority' : 100})
+  call sign_place(3, '', 'sign3', 'Xsign', {'lnum' : 11})
+  let s = sign_getplaced('Xsign', {'group' : '*'})
+  call assert_equal([
+	      \ {'id' : 2, 'name' : 'sign2', 'lnum' : 11, 'group' : 'g2',
+	      \ 'priority' : 100},
+	      \ {'id' : 1, 'name' : 'sign1', 'lnum' : 11, 'group' : 'g1',
+	      \ 'priority' : 50},
+	      \ {'id' : 3, 'name' : 'sign3', 'lnum' : 11, 'group' : '',
+	      \ 'priority' : 10}],
+	      \ s[0].signs)
+
+  " Error case
+  call assert_fails("call sign_place(1, 'g1', 'sign1', 'Xsign',
+	      \ [])", 'E715:')
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+
+  " Tests for the :sign place command with priority
+  sign place 5 line=10 name=sign1 priority=30 file=Xsign
+  sign place 5 group=g1 line=10 name=sign1 priority=20 file=Xsign
+  sign place 5 group=g2 line=10 name=sign1 priority=25 file=Xsign
+  let a = execute('sign place group=*')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  name=sign1 priority=30\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  group=g2  name=sign1 priority=25\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=20\n", a)
+
+  " Test for :sign place group={group}
+  let a = execute('sign place group=g1')
+  call assert_equal("\n--- Signs ---\nSigns for Xsign:\n" .
+	      \ "    line=10  id=5  group=g1  name=sign1 priority=20\n", a)
+
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+  enew  | only
+  call delete("Xsign")
+endfunc
+
+" Tests for memory allocation failures in sign functions
+func Test_sign_memfailures()
+  call writefile(repeat(["Sun is shining"], 30), "Xsign")
+  edit Xsign
+
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getdefined'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getdefined("sign1")', 'E342:')
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getplaced'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getplaced("Xsign")', 'E342:')
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_define_by_name'), 0, 0)
+  let attr = {'text' : '=>', 'linehl' : 'Search', 'texthl' : 'Error'}
+  call assert_fails('call sign_define("sign1", attr)', 'E342:')
+
+  let attr = {'text' : '=>', 'linehl' : 'Search', 'texthl' : 'Error'}
+  call sign_define("sign1", attr)
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getlist'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getdefined("sign1")', 'E342:')
+
+  call sign_place(3, 'g1', 'sign1', 'Xsign', {'lnum' : 10})
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getplaced_dict'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getplaced("Xsign")', 'E342:')
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getplaced_list'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call sign_getplaced("Xsign")', 'E342:')
+
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('insert_sign'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call sign_place(4, "g1", "sign1", "Xsign", {"lnum" : 11})',
+								\ 'E342:')
+
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getinfo'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('call getbufinfo()', 'E342:')
+  call sign_place(4, 'g1', 'sign1', 'Xsign', {'lnum' : 11})
+  call test_alloc_fail(GetAllocId('sign_getinfo'), 0, 0)
+  call assert_fails('let binfo=getbufinfo("Xsign")', 'E342:')
+  call assert_equal([{'lnum': 11, 'id': 4, 'name': 'sign1',
+	      \ 'priority': 10, 'group': 'g1'}], binfo[0].signs)
+
+  call sign_unplace('*')
+  call sign_undefine()
+  enew  | only
+  call delete("Xsign")
+endfunc
diff --git a/src/version.c b/src/version.c
index c6d55d8..d59c9a2 100644
--- a/src/version.c
+++ b/src/version.c
@@ -800,6 +800,8 @@
 static int included_patches[] =
 {   /* Add new patch number below this line */
 /**/
+    614,
+/**/
     613,
 /**/
     612,
diff --git a/src/workshop.c b/src/workshop.c
index 7b09e33..3de4df1 100644
--- a/src/workshop.c
+++ b/src/workshop.c
@@ -491,7 +491,7 @@
     lineno = 0;
     buf = buflist_findname((char_u *)filename);
     if (buf != NULL)
-	lineno = buf_findsign(buf, markId);
+	lineno = buf_findsign(buf, markId, NULL);
 
     return lineno;
 }