Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Epitrite
Ep′i-trite
,Noun.
[Gr. [GREEK] containing an integer and one third (i. e., 4⁄3, or in the ratio of 4 to 3);
ἐπί
upon, over + [GREEK] the third: cf. L. epitritos
, F. épitrite
.] (Gr. & Lat. Pros.)
A foot consisting of three long syllables and one short syllable.
☞ It is so called from being compounded of a spondee (which contains 4 times) with an iambus or a trochee (which contains 3 times). It is called 1st, 2d, 3d, or 4th epitrite according as the short syllable stands 1st, 2d, etc.
Webster 1828 Edition
Epitrite
EP'ITRITE
,Noun.