lucubration
[loo-kyoo-brey-shuh n]
- laborious work, study, thought, etc., especially at night.
- the result of such activity, as a learned speech or dissertation.
- Often lucubrations. any literary effort, especially of a pretentious or solemn nature.
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Origin of lucubration
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for lucubration
Historical Examples
How was it that the capitalist had put his signature to such a lucubration?
Sentimental Education, Volume IIGustave Flaubert
I am only glad to see that Henry is himself ashamed of his lucubration.
Young BloodE. W. Hornung
I put an end to this my lucubration after having very humbly craved your good will and affection.
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume VJ. H. Merle d'Aubigné
Father Bougeant calls his lucubration a new system of philosophy; but this is not strictly true.
The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of AnimalsEdmund P. Evans
It was the well-earned harvest of many a learned conference, of many a patient lecture, and many a midnight lucubration.
lucubration
- laborious study, esp at night
- (often plural) a solemn literary work
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for lucubration
n.
1590s, "literary work showing signs of too-careful elaboration," from Latin lucubrationem (nominative lucubratio) "nocturnal study, night work," noun of action from past participle stem of lucubrare, literally "to work by artificial light," from stem of lucere "to shine" (see light (n.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper