- Heroic 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.