Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Verse
Verse
(vẽrs)
, Noun.
1.
A line consisting of a certain number of metrical feet (see , 9) disposed according to metrical rules.
Foot
, Noun.
☞ 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
Flowed from their lips in prose or numerous
verse
. Milton.
Virtue was taught in
verse
. Prior.
Verse
embalms virtue. Donne.
3.
A short division of any composition.
Specifically: –(a)
A stanza; a stave;
as, a hymn of four
. verses
☞ 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.
☞ 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.” Pope.
Verse
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Versed
(vẽrst)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Versing
.] To tell in verse, or poetry.
[Obs.]
Playing on pipes of corn and
versing
love. Shakespeare
Verse
,Verb.
I.
To make verses; to versify.
[Obs.]
It is not rhyming and
versing
that maketh a poet. Sir P. Sidney.
Webster 1828 Edition
Verse
VERSE
,Noun.
1.
In poetry, a line, consisting of a certain number of long and short syllables, disposed according to the rules of the species of poetry which the author intends to compose. Verses are of various kinds, as hexameter, pentameter, and tetrameter, &c. according to the number of feet in each. A verse of twelve syllables is called an Alexandrian or Alexandrine. Two or more verses form a stanza or strophe.2.
Poetry; metrical language.Virtue was taught in verse.
Verse embalms virtue.
3.
A short division of any composition, particularly of the chapters in the Scriptures. The author of the division of the Old Testament into verses, is not ascertained. The New Testament was divided into verses by Robert Stephens.4.
A piece of poetry.5.
A portion of an anthem to be performed by a single voice to each part.6.
In a song or ballad, a stanza is called a verse.Blank verse, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes.
Heroic verse, usually consists of ten syllables, or in English, of five accented syllables, constituting five feet.
VERSE
,Verb.
T.
Playing on pipes of corn, and versing love.
To be versed, [L. vesor.] to be well skilled; to be acquainted with; as, to be versed in history or in geometry.