noctivagant, a. (and n.)
(nɒkˈtɪvəgənt)
[f. nocti- + vagant a.]
Wandering by night.
| c 1620 T. Adams Sinner's Passing-bell Wks. 1861 I. 347 The lustful sparrows, noctivagant adulterers, sit chirping about our houses. 1633 ― Com. 2 Peter i. 4 If our affections be noctivagant, night walkers, they will easily come home quick with child. 1656 in Blount Glossogr. 1721 in Bailey. 1819 H. Busk Vestriad iv. 8 What if a noble P―..Noctivagant perambulate the street? 1860 Macm. Mag. II. 222 To put some check on any noctivagant propensities of their lodgers. 1881 W. Wilkins Songs of Study 21 The noctivagant student head-dress being rife to-night. |
b. n. One who wanders by night. rare—1.
| 1633 T. Adams Com. 2 Peter i. 19 Noctivagants are negligent in their habits. |