compline

[ kom-plin, -plahyn ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. the last of the seven canonical hours, or the service for it, originally occurring after the evening meal but now usually following immediately upon vespers.

compline

/ -plaɪn; ˈkɒmplɪn; ˈkɒmplɪn /

noun

1. RC Church the last of the seven canonical hours of the divine office

Word History and Origins

Origin of compline¹

1175–1225; Middle English comp ( e ) lin, equivalent to compli, cump ( e ) lie (< Old French complie, cumplie < Latin complēta ( hōra ) complete (hour) + -in (of matin )

Word History and Origins

Origin of compline¹

C13: from Old French complie, from Medieval Latin hōra complēta, literally: the completed hour, from Latin complēre to fill up, complete

Example Sentences

Michael, where he knelt in the ante-chapel, was profoundly moved by the intimate responses and the severe Compline hymn.

From Project Gutenberg

It was when the bells were ringing, at the hour of compline and of matins, that she could best hear their words.

From Project Gutenberg

They said the well-known compline psalms, familiar then in England from their nightly use.

From Project Gutenberg

After compline, talk; Fray Juan Perez, the good man, comfortable in his great chair before the fire.

From Project Gutenberg

On his return, still thin and wan, he resumed his duties, and from Prime to Compline missed no service.

From Project Gutenberg