I. ˈvespə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, evening, evening star — more at west
1. usually capitalized : evening star 1
2. vespers plural
[modification of Medieval Latin vesperia, from Latin vesper evening + -ia -y]
: public ceremonies or disputations formerly preceding commencement at an English university ; also : the time of such ceremonies : the eve of commencement
3. vespers plural , often capitalized
[French vespres, from Medieval Latin vesperae, from plural of Latin vespera evening — more at west ]
a. : the sixth and next to the last of the canonical hours
b. : a religious office or service for this time: as
(1) : an office formerly said or sung before nightfall
(2) : the evening prayer or evensong of churches of the Anglican communion compiled from the ancient offices of vespers and compline
(3) or vesper service : a late afternoon or evening religious service that is often largely musical
4. : a vesper bell
5. archaic : evening , eventide
II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or used in connection with religious vespers
vesper music
2. : of or relating to the evening : vespertine