Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Prose?

\Prose\, n. [F. prose, L. prosa, fr. prorsus, prosus, straight forward, straight on, for proversus; pro forward + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See {Verse}.] 1. The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in poetical measure or rhythm; -- contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition. I speak in prose, and let him rymes make. --Chaucer. Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. --Milton. I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is; prose -- words in their best order; poetry -- the best order. --Coleridge. 2. Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse. 3. (R. C. Ch.) A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See {Sequence}.
\Prose\, a. 1. Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not in verse; as, prose composition. 2. Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical characteristics; plain; dull; prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.
\Prose\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Prosed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Prosing}.] 1. To write in prose. 2. To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
\Prose\, v. i. 1. To write prose. Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter. --Milton.