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

On any other occasion, no matter how solemn or privileged, such as the seventh, thirtieth, or anniversary day, when only one nocturn is recited, the invitatory must not be included.

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

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 Miles, Clement A.

At Matins, the nine psalms and three lessons are said as one nocturn.

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

The third nocturn is between midnight and dawn.

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

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