canonical hour
A "canonical hour" refers to specific times set aside for prayer and worship in Christian traditions, particularly within monastic communities.
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Definition
C1Christian Liturgy
(religious, formal)Specific periods of the day designated for prayer and devotion, particularly in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Example
- Monks gather to observe the canonical hour of Lauds at dawn.
- The canonical hours structure the daily routine of monastic life.
B2Monastic Schedules
(religious, formal)Fixed times of day for prayer or worship in a monastic or religious community.
Example
- During None, the monks pause their work for prayer.
- Vespers is one of the evening canonical hours observed by monks.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "canonical hour":
holy hourone's hourgolden hourdinner hourbook of hourspeak hour