noun
matins
MAT-unz/ˈmætnz/
A Christian prayer service traditionally held at night or in the early morning.
The worshippers say matins in the church as early sunlight enters the window.
Etymology
The morning adjective appeared in a phrase meaning “morning watches,” which became a name for prayers. Although the name points to morning, the office was properly held at midnight and sometimes celebrated at sunrise.
In context
we get up at about quarter to five in the morning and uh matins which is the first hour of the divine office begins at 5 15
More examples
- Our church holds matins at eight on Sunday mornings.
- She attends matins before beginning her daily work.
- The monastery holds matins in the middle of the night.
Forms
matins
Similar words
- morning prayer
- Specifically morning worship, rather than a service held at night.
- office
- A prescribed prayer service held at various appointed hours.