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

See Examples For:

nocturn

In the Breviary, before the recent reform, twelve psalms were recited in the first nocturn of Sundays and on ferias.

From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley

Then a sweet crowd heavenward lifted, When the nocturn bells are pealing, Chants His purposes predestined Until the Day of Doom's revealing.

From A Celtic Psaltery by Alfred Perceval Graves

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

From The Saracen: Land of the Infidel by Robert Shea

The lessons read at the third nocturn are patristic homilies on the Gospels, and together form a rough summary of theological instruction.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

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