the last of the seven canonical hours, or the service for it, originally occurring after the evening meal but now usually following immediately upon vespers.
The last of the seven canonical hours recited or sung just before retiring.
The time of day appointed for this service.
[Middle English, alteration (probably influenced by matines, matins) of compli, from Old French complie, from Medieval Latin (hōra) complēta, final (hour), from Latin complētus, past participle of complēre, to complete; see complete.]