compline Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun last of the seven canonical hours just before retiring
    complin.

WordNet

Com"pline, Com"plin noun (Also<
  • Compline
  • Complin
)
Etymology
From OE. complie, OF. complie, F. complies, pl., fr. LL. completa (prop. fem. of L. completus) the religious exercise which completes and closes the service of the day. See Complete.
Definitions
  1. (Eccl.) The last division of the Roman Catholic breviary; the seventh and last of the canonical hours of the Western church; the last prayer of the day, to be said after sunset.
    The custom of godly man been to shut up the evening with a compline of prayer at nine of the night. Hammond.

Webster 1913