Category:Prose

Prose, n. Etym: [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.)

Defn: a hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See sequence.

Prose 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 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 Prose, v. i.

1. To write prose. Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter. Milton.