Matins. One of the canonical hours appointed in the early church, and
still observed in the Roman Catholic Church, especially in monastic
orders. It properly begins at midnight. The name is also applied to the
service itself, which includes the Lord's Prayer, the Angelic
Salutation, the Creed and several psalms.
Lauds, a religious service in connection with matins; so called from the
reiterated ascriptions of praise to God in the psalms.
Prime. The first hour or period of the day; follows after matins and
lauds; originally intended to be said at the first hour after sunrise.
Tierce, terce. The third hour; half-way between sunrise and noon.
Sext. The sixth hour, originally and properly said at midday.
None, noon. The ninth hour from sunrise, or the middle hour between
midday and sunset--that is, about 3 o'clock.
Vespers, the next to the last of the canonical hours--the even-song.
Compline. The last of the seven canonical hours, originally said after
the evening meal and before retiring to sleep, but in later medieval and
modern usage following immediately on vespers.
B.V.M.--Blessed Virgin Mary.