NOCTULE Noc"tule, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. noctua a night owl, fr. nox, noctis, night.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A large European bat (Vespertilio, or Noctulina, altivolans).
NOCTURN Noc"turn, n. Etym: [F. nocturne, fr. L. nocturnus. See Nocturnal, and cf. Nocturne.]
1. An office of devotion, or act of religious service, by night.
2. One of the portions into which the Psalter was divided, each consisting of nine psalms, designed to be used at a night service. Hook.
NOCTURNAL Noc*tur"nal, a. Etym: [L. nocturnalis, nocturnus, fr. nox, noctis, night. See Night, and cf. Nocturn.]
1. Of, pertaining to, done or occuring in, the night; as, nocturnal darkness, cries, expedition, etc.; — opposed to Ant: diurnal. Dryden.
2. Having a habit of seeking food or moving about at night; as, nocturnal birds and insects.
NOCTURNAL
Noc*tur"nal, n.
Defn: An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the stars, etc., at sea. I. Watts.