twilight at dawn

[DaSwede]

Is there any one word that equals twilight but refers to the early light of dawn (before sunrise), not dusk? According to my dictionary 'twilight' can be used in this sense, but in real life (also known as television) I've never heard it used about anything else than the remaining light after sunset.

If there isn't any one word, is there a common phrase that denotes this light?

Or am I wrong, i.e. is 'twilight' in fact used in both senses?

Please, enlighten me. (Twilighten me??)

[SteveD]

Crepuscular light = twilight (according to my dictionary).

[Quizmonster]

The noun, 'dawning', rather than just 'dawn', is sometimes used for this. Oddly enough, it comes from Danish/Swedish 'dagning'!
As you say, Da, 'twilight' is rarely used - though it is perfectly legitimate to do so - for the morning half-light.

[DaSwede]

Thanks both! I think that for my purposes 'half-light' would actually be a good word! I want a word that clearly states that the sun isn't up yet. Quizmonster, is 'half-light' a word of your own invention that just came in handy in your reply to me, or is it in use? If not, 'dawning' will do. I hadn't thought of that one. You know, the more I try to activate my English, the more I perceive it as Danish/Swedish... It's shocking! SteveD, I learned a completely new word from you - only to my foreign ear it sounds like something having to do with bodily decay... "His crepuscular knee failed him again" - or something... But it's a nice one to know!

[DaSwede]

Quizmonster, I found 'half-light' in enough many online dictionaries to venture to use it - thanks!

[Mr Songman]

In the first light of the false dawn

[DaSwede]

That's beautiful, Mr Songman!