Blank verse

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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

2. Metrical arrangement and language; that which is composed in metrical form; versification; poetry. [1913 Webster]

Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips in prose or numerous verse. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Virtue was taught in verse. --Prior. [1913 Webster]

Verse embalms virtue. --Donne. [1913 Webster]

3. A short division of any composition. Specifically: [1913 Webster] (a) A stanza; a stave; as, a hymn of four verses. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster] (b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters in the Old and New Testaments. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster] (c) (Mus.) A portion of an anthem to be performed by a single voice to each part. [1913 Webster]

4. A piece of poetry. ``This verse be thine.'' --Pope. [1913 Webster]

{Blank verse}, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes.

{Heroic verse}. See under {Heroic}. [1913 Webster]