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Webster 1913 Edition


Poetry

Po′et-ry

,
Noun.
[OF.
poeterie
. See
Poet
.]
1.
The art of apprehending and interpreting ideas by the faculty of imagination; the art of idealizing in thought and in expression.
For
poetry
is the blossom and the fragrance of all human knowledge, human thoughts, human passions, emotions, language.
Coleridge.
2.
Imaginative language or composition, whether expressed rhythmically or in prose. Specifically: Metrical composition; verse; rhyme; poems collectively;
as, heroic
poetry
; dramatic
poetry
; lyric or Pindaric
poetry
.
“The planetlike music of poetry.”
Sir P. Sidney.
She taketh most delight
In music, instruments, and
poetry
.
Shakespeare

Webster 1828 Edition


Poetry

PO'ETRY

,
Noun.
[Gr.] Metrical composition; verse; as heroic poetry; dramatic poetry; lyric or Pindaric poetry.
1.
The art or practice of composing in verse. He excels in poetry.
2.
Poems; poetical composition. We take pleasure in reading poetry.
3.
This term is also applied to the language of excited imagination and feeling.