1. A Christian church service held in the early morning, traditionally said or sung before dawn; one of the canonical hours in the Christian liturgy.
Usage: Often used in plural form; Primarily in Christian religious contexts; Also called 'Matins' when capitalized as a formal liturgical service

Examples

• The monks gathered for matins before sunrise.
• Matins is traditionally the first of the canonical hours in the monastic day.
• The cathedral choir sang matins every morning during Lent.
• She attended matins at the monastery as part of her spiritual retreat.
• The bell rang to call the community to matins at 4 a.m.