Lauds

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Hymns of praise (from Latin laus, praise). In some of the ancient councils the hallelujah appointed to be sung after the Gospel is termed Laudes. Also the name of the service which, before the Reformation, followed after the Nocturn, celebrated between 12 and 3 A.M., or in the 3d watch. Du Cange assigns them this place, but cites a passage from which it would appear that they rather belong to matins in the following watch. The Lauds, Du Cange tells us, consisted, in the monastic or pre-reformatory service, of the last three psalms. Durand, however, names five. See Procter, Common Prayer, page 186 sq. — Eden, Theolog. Dict. s.v.; Farrar, Eccles. Dict. s.v. (See Breviary); (See Canonical Hours); (See Liturgy); (See Matins).