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Vesper

Vespers; evening prayer service

noun FES-per Rare
Arts & Culture Religion

Origin: from Latin vespera (evening)

Also means

afternoon snack (southern Germany)

Usage Note

Vesper in a liturgical sense is the evening canonical hour, sung or recited as part of the Divine Office. In southern Germany Vesper also colloquially means an afternoon snack — context determines which meaning applies.

Examples

"Nach der Vesper versammelten sich die Mönche im Kreuzgang zum stillen Gebet."

Natural Translation

After Vespers the monks gathered in the cloister for silent prayer.

Literal Translation

After the Vespers gathered themselves the monks in the cloister for silent prayer.

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