What is "pernoctation"

Pernoctation \Per`noc*ta"tion\, n. [L. pernoctatio, fr. pernoctare to stay all night; per + nox, noctis, night.] The act or state of passing the whole night; a remaining all night. ``Pernoctation in prayer.''
--Jer. Taylor.

n. 1 An overnight stay; action (or instance) of abide through the night at a location. 2 The action (or an instance) of walking about at night, especially as a vigil or watch. 3 (context Christianity English) A religious watch kept during normal sleeping hours, during which prayers or other ceremony are performed.