English

Noun

pernoctation ‎(plural pernoctations)

1. An overnight stay; action (or instance) of abiding through the night at a location.
   • 1685, R. H., An historical narration of the life and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, page 88, section 113

     The next morning they return back with ſpeed toward Jeruſalem; and at night repairing to their former lodging, neither there it ſeems heard they any thing of him (which argues, for this time of his abſence his pernoctation in the Temple) […]

   • 1882, Statutes made for the University of Oxford, and for the Colleges and halls, page 257, para. 15

     For the purposes of this clause, residing in Oxford shall mean the occupation of a dwelling-house or lodging in Oxford with pernoctation, and residing in College shall mean the occupation of rooms in College, or of a house in immediate communication with the College, with pernoctation.

2. The action (or an instance) of walking about at night, especially as a vigil or watch.
   • 1958, William Conrad Costin, The History of St. John's College, Oxford, 1598-1890, page 21

     In 1599 S^r Robert Leech and S^r John Meades were guilty of pernoctation and breaking windows. They had been sent to prison by the Proctor.

3. (Christianity) A religious watch kept during normal sleeping hours, during which prayers or other ceremonies are performed.
   • 1772, John Glen King, The rites and ceremonies of the Greek church in Russia, page 82

     […] yet in general the veſpers begin a little before ſunſet; the matins at four o'clock in the morning, and the liturgy or communion about nine; and when the vigil, or pernoctation, is performed, that ſervice begins after ſunſet; and there is no ſervice, in the morning following, till the communion.

Usage notes

The sense of a religious watch may apply either to a holy vigil or to diabolical activities.

Synonyms

• (religious watch): vigil

Related terms

• pernoctate

Translations