nocturn

American  

[nok-turn] / ˈnɒk tɜrn /

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. the office of matins, consisting of nine psalms and either three or nine lessons.

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nocturn British  

/ ˈnɒktɜːn /

noun

1. RC Church any of the main sections of the office of matins

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Etymology

Origin of nocturn

before 1150; Middle English nocturne < Medieval Latin nocturna, noun use of feminine of Latin nocturnus by night; replacing Old English noctern < Medieval Latin, as above

Example Sentences

In this nocturn, too, are given three Gospel extracts, corresponding with the Gospels in the Mass of Christmas.

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

The lessons of third nocturn for same period are given after those of second nocturn.

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

The contessa's reception began at the first nocturn, between sunset and midnight.

From The Saracen: Land of the Infidel by Shea, Robert

The lessons of the second nocturn are generally commemorative of a saint or some episode of a saint's life.

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

The most popular and gracious form of Provencal poetry was the nocturn, sung by the lover at night at the door or under the window of his mistress.

From Aesthetic Poetry by Pater, Walter