vesperal

[ ves-per-uhl ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. the part of an antiphonary containing the chants for vespers.
2. a cloth used between offices to cover the altar cloth.

vesperal

/ ˈvɛspərəl /

noun

1. a liturgical book containing the prayers, psalms, and hymns used at vespers
2. the part of the antiphonary containing these
3. a cloth laid over the altar cloth between offices or services

Word History and Origins

Origin of vesperal¹

From the Late Latin word vesperālis, dating back to 1615–25. See vesper, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Fixlein walked home, amid the vesperal melodies of the steeple sounding-holes; and by the road, courteously took off his hat before the empty windows of the Castle: houses of quality were to him like persons of quality, as in India the Pagoda at once represents the temple and the god.

From Project Gutenberg

Only one ancient Priest offers the sacrifice, Murmuring holy Latin immemorial: Swaying with tremulous hands the old censer full of spice, In gray, sweet incense clouds; blue, sweet clouds mystical: To him, in place of men, for he is old, suffice Melancholy remembrances and vesperal.

From Project Gutenberg

Fixlein walked home, amid the vesperal melodies of the steeple sounding-holes; and by the road courteously took off his hat before the empty windows of the Castle.

From Project Gutenberg

Joy it was here to love and to be young,  To watch the sun sink to his western bed, And streaming back out of their flaming core The vesperal aurora's glorious banners soar.

From Project Gutenberg

She knelt and kneeling drank the scent of limes, Blown round the slow blind by a vesperal gust, Till the room swam.

From Project Gutenberg