sexte
Definition
- Noun:
- A canonical hour: In Christian liturgical tradition, "sexte" refers to the sixth of the seven canonical hours, traditionally observed at midday (the sixth hour after sunrise). It is a fixed time of prayer in monastic and clerical schedules.
- A prayer service: Specifically, "sexte" denotes the set of prayers, psalms, and readings prescribed for this hour, often part of the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours.
Usage Examples
- (The midday prayer service in a monastery.)
- (The midday canonical hour in a monastic schedule.)
Advanced Usage
"to say sexte": to perform the prescribed prayers for the sixth canonical hour.
- The priest said sexte quietly in the chapel before lunch. (He recited the midday office.)
"the office of sexte": the formal liturgical structure of this hour.
- The office of sexte includes three psalms, a short reading, and a prayer. (The specific components of the service.)
Variants and Related Words
Sext (n): an alternative spelling of "sexte," more common in modern English.
- The choir sang the sext in the cathedral. (The midday prayer service.)
Sexting (n): This is a modern, unrelated term referring to sending sexually explicit messages; it is not a variant of "sexte."
Synonyms
- Midday prayer: a functional synonym describing the time and purpose.
- Noontide office: a poetic or liturgical synonym.
Related Idioms
- There are no common idioms involving "sexte," as it is a highly specialized liturgical term.
Additional Notes
- "Sexte" is derived from Latin (the sixth hour). It is one of the "Little Hours" in the Divine Office, along with terce (third hour) and none (ninth hour). Its use is largely confined to religious contexts, such as monastic communities or traditional Catholic liturgy.