Matins (Noun)
Meaning
The first canonical hour; at daybreak.
Classification
Nouns denoting time and temporal relations.
Examples
- The monastery's bells tolled at dawn to signal the start of matins, a sacred time for morning prayers and meditation.
- As a novice, she was expected to attend matins every day, no matter the weather, and pay respects to the rising sun.
- The priest led the congregation in chanting hymns during matins, their voices filling the cold, dark church.
- The canons arrived at the chapel for matins before first light, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
- In the stillness of matins, the bishop reflected on the day's scripture readings and prepared for the morning's homily.