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noun

Verse n.

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." "Virtue was taught in verse." "Verse embalms virtue."

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."

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

Heroic verse. See under Heroic.

verb

Verse v. t. (past & past part. versed; pres. part. versing) To tell in verse, or poetry. (Obs.) "Playing on pipes of corn and versing love."

Verse v. i. To make verses; to versify. (Obs.) "It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet."

See images of 'Verse'

Etymology of 'Verse'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Verse" Quotes from Famous Books

... whose various powers 210 Preserve thy life from languid hours, Thou scholar, statesman, traveller, wit, Who prose and verse alike canst hit; Whose gay West-Indian on our stage, Alone might check this stupid rage; 215 Fastidious yet—O! condescend To range with an advent'rous friend: Together let us beat the rounds, St. Giles's ample blackguard bounds: Try what th' accurs'd ...

— No Abolition of Slavery - Or the Universal Empire of Love, A poem • James Boswell

... Sanskrit book there is a verse which describes the essential elements of a picture. The first in order is Vrupa-bhedah—"separateness of forms." Forms are many, forms are different, each of them having its limits. But if this were absolute, if all forms remained obstinately separate, then there would be a fearful ...

— Creative Unity • Rabindranath Tagore

... to Shif'less Sol, who knew the tongue of the Iroquois, and so it went on, verse after verse, and at the end of each verse came the refrain, in which the ...

— The Scouts of the Valley • Joseph A. Altsheler

... continually misled in this way unless you refer at every minute to your guide-book, and to go through Europe reading a guide-book which you can read at home seems to be a waste of time. On the stone beneath which Addison lies is engraved the verse from Tickell's ode: ...

— Maria Mitchell: Life, Letters, and Journals • Maria Mitchell

... many favorite passages that impressed themselves almost without effort on his brain, that all the world seemed to shape itself into forms of Elizabethan tragedy or comedy and his very thoughts were in blank verse. It trained his ear and gave him a fine appreciation for noble English; withal it introduced into his mind much that was ...

— Martin Eden • Jack London

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