Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Verse?

\Verse\, n. [OE. vers, AS. fers, L. versus a line in writing, and, in poetry, a verse, from vertere, versum, to turn, to turn round; akin to E. worth to become: cf. F. vers. See {Worth} to become, and cf. {Advertise}, {Averse}, {Controversy}, {Convert}, {Divers}, {Invert}, {Obverse}, {Prose}, {Suzerain}, {Vortex}.] 1. A line consisting of a certain number of metrical feet (see {Foot}, n., 9) disposed according to metrical rules. Note: Verses are of various kinds, as hexameter, pentameter, tetrameter, etc., according to the number of feet in each. A verse of twelve syllables is called an Alexandrine. Two or more verses form a stanza or strophe. 2. Metrical arrangement and language; that which is composed in metrical form; versification; poetry. Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips in prose or numerous verse. --Milton. Virtue was taught in verse. --Prior. Verse embalms virtue. --Donne. 3. A short division of any composition. Specifically: (a) A stanza; a stave; as, a hymn of four verses. Note: Although this use of verse is common, it is objectionable, because not always distinguishable from the stricter use in the sense of a line. (b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters in the Old and New Testaments. Note: The author of the division of the Old Testament into verses is not ascertained. The New Testament was divided into verses by Robert Stephens [or Estienne], a French printer. This arrangement appeared for the first time in an edition printed at Geneva, in 1551. (c) (Mus.) A portion of an anthem to be performed by a single voice to each part. 4. A piece of poetry. ``This verse be thine.'' --Pope. {Blank verse}, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes. {Heroic verse}. See under {Heroic}.
\Verse\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Versed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Versing}.] To tell in verse, or poetry. [Obs.] Playing on pipes of corn and versing love. --Shak.
\Verse\, v. i. To make verses; to versify. [Obs.] It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. --Sir P. Sidney.