nocturn

[ nok-turn ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. the office of matins, consisting of nine psalms and either three or nine lessons.

nocturn

/ ˈnɒktɜːn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nocturn¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nocturn¹

C13: from Medieval Latin nocturna , from Latin nocturnus nocturnal, from nox night

Example Sentences

The elders did not observe the nocturn that night until prime on the morrow.

From Project Gutenberg

It was to be lighted again by one of the novices appointed for the purpose during the last psalm of each Nocturn.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

She was the chief of the domin nocturn, who frequented houses at night and were thought to bring abundance of temporal goods.

From Project Gutenberg

When all were assembled, fifteen psalms were sung; then came the nocturn and more psalms.

From Project Gutenberg