Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Rhyme?

\Rhyme\, n. [OE. ryme, rime, AS. r[=i]m number; akin to OHG. r[=i]m number, succession, series, G. reim rhyme. The modern sense is due to the influence of F. rime, which is of German origin, and originally the same word.] [The Old English spelling {rime} is becoming again common. See Note under {Prime}.] 1. An expression of thought in numbers, measure, or verse; a composition in verse; a rhymed tale; poetry; harmony of language. ``Railing rhymes.'' --Daniel. A ryme I learned long ago. --Chaucer. He knew Himself to sing, and build the lofty rime. --Milton. 2. (Pros.) Correspondence of sound in the terminating words or syllables of two or more verses, one succeeding another immediately or at no great distance. The words or syllables so used must not begin with the same consonant, or if one begins with a vowel the other must begin with a consonant. The vowel sounds and accents must be the same, as also the sounds of the final consonants if there be any. For rhyme with reason may dispense, And sound has right to govern sense. --Prior. 3. Verses, usually two, having this correspondence with each other; a couplet; a poem containing rhymes. 4. A word answering in sound to another word. {Female rhyme}. See under {Female}. {Male rhyme}. See under {Male}. {Rhyme or reason}, sound or sense. {Rhyme royal} (Pros.), a stanza of seven decasyllabic verses, of which the first and third, the second, fourth, and fifth, and the sixth and seventh rhyme.
\Rhyme\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Rhymed};p. pr. & vb. n. {Rhyming}.] [OE. rimen, rymen, AS. r[=i]man to count: cf. F. rimer to rhyme. See {Rhyme}, n.] 1. To make rhymes, or verses. ``Thou shalt no longer ryme.'' --Chaucer. There marched the bard and blockhead, side by side, Who rhymed for hire, and patronized for pride. --Pope. 2. To accord in rhyme or sound. And, if they rhymed and rattled, all was well. --Dryden.
\Rhyme\, v. t. 1. To put into rhyme. --Sir T. Wilson. 2. To influence by rhyme. Hearken to a verser, who may chance Rhyme thee to good. --Herbert.