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.

---

nocturn British  

/ ˈnɒktɜːn /

noun

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

---

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 early Church intervals occurred between each nocturn.

From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley

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

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 first, celebrated at nightfall in the Papal chapel, begins with the antiphon of the first psalm in the nocturn.

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---