little hours

American  

plural noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. the hours of prime, tierce, sext, and nones, and sometimes also vespers and compline.

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little hours British  

plural noun

1. RC Church the canonical hours of prime, terce, sext, and nones in the divine office

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Etymology

Origin of little hours

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

little hours

But, idol of my heart, though I am overcome with grief at the idea of leaving you for two little hours, it is a question of four thousand francs.

From The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol by Alec Ball

Just twenty-four little hours, and she would be mine—the only woman I had ever really coveted, the only one who had ever found the good in me.

From The Rustlers of Pecos County by Zane Grey

He passes similar comments on the hymns assigned to the little hours.

From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley

Well," he protested, "and for me to stay with you a week takes months of these miserable little hours we have.

From Plashers Mead A Novel by Compton MacKenzie

Why not give just two or three little hours to study,—study so pleasant and so arranged that you may call it reading, or recreating, or getting acquainted with "the best of all good company"?

From Hold Up Your Heads, Girls! : Helps for Girls, in School and Out by Annie H Ryder

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