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

It may be noted here, that, in the recitation of this Office, which is, for most priests, the only choral recitation of liturgy, care should be taken to select the proper nocturn or nocturns.

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

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

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 Graves, Alfred Perceval

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 Quigley, Edward J.

The first "nocturn" is now over, and the lessons from Scripture follow.

From The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems by Purves, D. Laing