Definition

Noun 1. A canonical hour in Christian liturgy: In traditional Christian (especially Roman Catholic) liturgy, "Nones" is the fifth of the seven canonical hours of prayer, originally observed at the ninth hour after dawn (approximately 3 p.m.). 2. The office or service recited at this hour: The term also refers to the specific prayers, psalms, and readings that constitute this liturgical office.

Usage Examples

• As a liturgical hour:
  • The monks gathered in the chapel for Nones.
  • The schedule listed Vespers after Nones.
• Referring to the prayer service:
  • He opened his breviary to pray Nones.
  • The chanting of Nones echoed through the quiet church.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Archaic Usage: In ancient Roman timekeeping, "nones" (from Latin , meaning "ninth") referred to the ninth day before the Ides in the Roman calendar (i.e., the 7th day of March, May, July, October, and the 5th day of other months). This usage is now exclusively historical.
  • On the nones of July, the market was especially busy.

Variants and Related Words

• Canonical Hours: The set periods of the day for prayer, of which Nones is one. The others are Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, Vespers, and Compline.
• Divine Office / Liturgy of the Hours: The complete cycle of daily prayers, including Nones.

Synonyms

• Mid-afternoon prayer (descriptive synonym)
• Ninth hour (literal translation of the Latin origin)

Notes on Meaning

This word has two distinct meanings separated by context: 1. Primary (Ecclesiastical): A specific time for prayer in the Christian liturgical day (~3 p.m.). 2. Secondary (Historical/Roman): A specific date in the ancient Roman calendar system. This meaning is archaic and only encountered in historical texts.

Noun

1. the fifth of the seven canonical hours; about 3 p.m.