noun

1. 1. R.C.Ch. the first of the seven canonical hours, orig. recited between midnight and dawn, but often at daybreak, usually joined with lauds (matins is now called the Office of Readings)
   2. Anglican Ch. morning prayer
2. Old Poet. a morning song, esp. of birds

Etymology: Early ME matyn < OFr matin, pl. matines < ML(Ec) matutinae (vigiliae), morning (watches) < L matutinus, of the morning, after Matuta, goddess of dawn: see mature

adjective

1. of matins
2. of morning