canonical hour

/kəˌnɑnəkəl aʊər/

Other forms: canonical hours

Definitions of canonical hour

1. noun

   (Roman Catholic Church) one of seven specified times for prayer
   types:

   matins, morning prayer

   the first canonical hour; at daybreak

   prime

   the second canonical hour; about 6 a.m.

   terce, tierce

   the third canonical hour; about 9 a.m.

   sext

   the fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon

   nones

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

   evensong, vespers

   the sixth of the seven canonical hours of the divine office; early evening; now often made a public service on Sundays

   complin, compline

   last of the seven canonical hours just before retiring

   type of:

   hour, time of day

   clock time