Verse

Verse (vẽrs), 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.

☞ 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. 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.

Blank verse, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes. — Heroic verse. See under Heroic.

Verse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Versed; p. pr. & vb. n. Versing.] To tell in verse, or poetry. [Obs.]

Playing on pipes of corn and versing love. Shak.

Verse, v. i. To make verses; to versify. [Obs.]

It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. Sir P. Sidney.