vespers

noun

ves·​pers ˈve-spərz 

variants or Vespers

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: the sixth of the canonical hours that is said or sung in the late afternoon

2

: a service of evening worship

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French vespres, from Medieval Latin vesperae, from Latin, plural of vespera evening; akin to Latin vesper evening star

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

vespers

plural noun

ves·​pers ˈves-pərz 

often capitalized

: a late afternoon or evening church service