n. One who watches or keeps awake all night. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ See Pern, v. ] (Law) One who receives the profits, as of an estate. [ 1913 Webster ]
[ So called from