MATINS Meaning and
Definition
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Matins is a noun with multiple meanings. The primary definition refers to the early morning Christian church service, typically held before dawn. Matins is a part of the daily office, a liturgical practice observed in several Christian traditions, most prominently in Catholic and Anglican churches. It is usually celebrated as a formal or sung worship service, often including hymns, readings from the Scriptures, psalms, and prayers. Matins marks the beginning of the daily prayer cycle and is intended to guide and inspire believers in their spiritual devotion and meditation.
The term "matins" also has a historical context in the realm of medieval monasticism. In a monastery, matins was the first of the seven canonical hours prayed by the monks during the night. Being the longest and most important service, it signaled the start of the monastic day. The monks woke up before dawn to gather in the church and chant the Psalms, participate in Scripture readings, and offer prayers of praise and supplication.
Furthermore, "matins" can occasionally refer to the early morning or dawn time itself, serving as a synonym for the "morning" or "daybreak." In poetry or literary works, the word may be used metaphorically to convey a sense of awakening or new beginnings, often associated with the start of the day or a renewal of purpose.
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Morning service or prayers; the first canonical hour for prayers in the R. Cath. Ch.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MATINS
Etymology of MATINS
The word "matins" has its etymology in the Old English word "mǣt(e)" meaning "morning" combined with the Latin suffix "-īna" which denotes a time or period. "Mǣt(e)" is related to the Old High German word "mado" meaning "meal" or "food" and can also be found in the word "breakfast" which derives from "break (the) fast", referring to the first meal of the day after fasting during the night. "Matins" is typically used to refer to the morning prayer service in the Christian liturgy, particularly in the Catholic and Anglican traditions.
Similar spelling words for MATINS
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