night letter
Noun: A night letter is a type of telegram message that was sent at a reduced rate, with the understanding that its transmission and delivery would be delayed until the following day.
This term is historical and refers to a specific service offered by telegraph companies, primarily in the 20th century. It is used to describe the message itself or the service category. - To send a night letter: To dispatch a telegram using this deferred, lower-cost service.
- Noun:
- To save money, he sent a night letter instead of a standard telegram.
- The news wasn't urgent, so she composed a lengthy night letter to her family overseas.
The concept is largely obsolete with the advent of modern digital communication but may appear in historical contexts, literature, or discussions about the evolution of communication. - Historical Context: The night letter was a practical solution for non-urgent, long-distance written communication before the widespread use of telephones and email.
- Telegram (n): A message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written form.
- Cablegram (n): A telegram sent via a submarine cable.
- Wire (n, informal): A telegram (e.g., "I received a wire from headquarters").
- Deferred telegram
- Overnight telegram
- a cheaper form of telegram sent for delivery the next day