compline

noun

com·​pline ˈkäm-plən How to pronounce compline (audio)
-ˌplīn
often capitalized
: the seventh and last of the canonical hours

Examples of compline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each morning, Father Delargy and his fellow monks rise at 3:15 for vigils, held at 3:30, the first of seven sets of prayers that end at 7:30 in the evening with compline, the night prayer. Stephen Castle, New York Times, 11 July 2023 The day ends with a prayer at 9 P.M., called compline, after which followers are encouraged to rest until the morning. Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English compline, complie, from Anglo-French cumplie, modification of Late Latin completa, from Latin, feminine of completus complete

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compline was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near compline

Cite this Entry

“Compline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compline. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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