that part of the natural day during which the sun is underneath the horizon; or that space wherein it is dusky.

Night was originally divided by the Hebrews and other eastern nations into three parts or watches. The Romans, and after them the Jews, divided the night into four parts or watches; the first of which began at sunset, and lasted till nine at night, according to our way of reckoning; the second lasted till mid- night; the third till three in the morning; and the fourth ended at sunrise. The ancient Gauls and Germans divided their time not by days but by nights; and the people of Ireland and the Arabs do the same at this day. The like is observed of the Anglo-Saxons.—The length and shortness of night or of darkness is according to the season of the year and position of the place; and the causes of this variety are now well known. See ASTRONOMY, &c.

scripture language, is used for the times of heathenish ignorance and profaneness (Rom. xiii. 12.); for adversity and affliction (1T. xxi. 12.); and lastly, for death (John ix. 4.).