Category:Verse

Verse, n. Etym: [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 Verse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Versed; p. pr. & vb. n. Versing.]

Defn: to tell in verse, or poetry. [obs.] Playing on pipes of corn and versing love. Shak.

Verse Verse, v. i.

Defn: to make verses; to versify. [obs.] It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. Sir p. Sidney.