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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nocturn

In the early Church intervals occurred between each nocturn.

From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley

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 Edward J. Quigley

It was customary at certain places, in mediaeval times, to lay on the altar three veils, and remove one at each nocturn of Christmas Matins.

From Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan by Clement A. Miles

This addition, which was copied from the monastic practice, built up the three nocturn form of office and became the model and form of the office for saints.

From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley

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

From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley

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